HOUSTON – A plane crash-landed onto the roof of a warehouse Sunday night in southeast Houston.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, a single-engine Piper PA - 24 plane hit the Macy’s Distribution Center on Ernestine Street about five miles northwest of Hobby Airport around 11:45 p.m.
"I was watching it, and I just seen it like struggle," witness Jonathan Siguenza said.
The 52-year-old pilot was flying in from St. Louis when his plane lost power right before the crash, according to FAA officials. The plane clipped the side of the building before landing safely on top, FAA officials said.
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The pilot was taken to the Texas Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. According to Houston firefighters, he was alert and conscious when he was taken to the hospital.
Planes and a police helicopter helped spot the plane's emergency beacon. No fuel spilled and there was no fire.
Rob Blain has lived in the area where the crashed happened for almost 40 years.
"It was amazing to think a plane either crash-landed or landed on top of that warehouse. C'mon, really?" Blain said.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate to figure out what led to the accident. As of now, neither agency has released how and when the plane will be removed from the roof.
Blain said it was a scene he'll never forget.
"You don't see that everyday," Blain said.