A single-engine plane crashed into the roof of a building in Torrance Thursday, leaving the pilot dead and a passenger hospitalized in critical condition.
The Cessna 177 went down around noon just a mile east of Torrance Municipal Airport-Zamperini Field shortly after departure, according to Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor. He said the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
One of the victims, described as a passenger, was treated at the scene and taken to a nearby hospital, according to the city of Torrance. The other victim, only described as male, was pronounced dead at the scene.
No other injuries were reported.
Omid Taheri, who witnessed the crash while working at the Acura car dealership across the street, said the plane appeared lower than ones usually flying out of nearby Zamperini Field.