Authorities rescue pilot in Carpinteria plane crash

A 31-year-old man was rescued Saturday evening after his small plane crashed in a remote area of the Los Padres National Forest.

The plane he was piloting crashed northeast of Carpinteria near Jameson Lake at around 2:30 p.m.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office utilized a helicopter to hoist the pilot from the wreckage just before 5:00 p.m.

Early reports indicated that poor weather would make a hoist rescue too dangerous, but a helicopter crew was able to safely reach the man.

Santa Barbara County Fire Captain Dave Zaniboni said the pilot was the only occupant and he suffered injuries to his legs and lower body.

Emergency crews, including personnel from Ventura County Fire Department and Carpinteria City Fire Department, were staged at Rincon Hill Road and State Route 150 for support. The staging area was later moved to Viola Fields in Carpinteria.

The man’s identity has not yet been released. His condition is unclear.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.