Photo source: LBFD

(February 1, 2003, updated 9:30 p.m.) -- A small plane doing "touch and go" type landings and takeoffs on LB Airport Runway 25R (aligns with Monlaco Rd/36th St.) crashed today at about 10:50 a.m.

In "touch and go" operations, an aircraft lands and departs on a runway without stopping or exiting the runway.

LBFD Acting Public Information Officer Capt. Scott Clegg told LBReport.com that the plane was flown by James Winegarden, 58, of Corona Del Mar, an experienced pilot.

Capt. Clegg said the plane caught fire immediately, LBFD Airport Crash Crews arrived on scene within about a minute and extinguished the plane fire within 2-3 seconds.

Photo source: LBFD

LBFD says Mr. Winegarden suffered second and third degree burns and was transported to LB Memorial Hospital by LBFD Rescue 9; he may thereafter be transferred to another hospital's burn center.