Small plane safely lands on LA freeway at rush hour

LOS ANGELES - A single-engine airplane towing a banner landed safely on the Harbor Freeway south of downtown during the Monday afternoon rush.

No one was injured and no vehicles were struck, said Fire Department spokesman Jim Wells. Only one person was aboard.

The plane, a 1947 Universal Stinson, set down shortly after 5 p.m., said Federal Aviation Administration operations manager Larri Dillard.

The plane's engine failed, forcing the emergency landing, Dillard said.

The aircraft landed on its wheels in the carpool lanes and came to a stop sideways on the northbound side of the freeway

The plane did not suffer significant damage. Besides the failed engine, ''the plane's only problem is a flat tire,'' Dillard said.

California Highway Patrol officers called for a tow truck to remove the aircraft.

It was not immediately known what the plane's banner was advertising.