Small Plane Crash Lands on Crowded California Beach

— -- A small plane that was towing an advertising banner crash landed today on a crowded California beach, after its engine cut out.

The single-engine Piper PA18 lost engine power shortly after 3 p.m. and landed on Tamarack State Beach in Carlsbad, Federal Aviation Administration officials said.

The pilot of the plane suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital, according to the Carlsbad Police Department.

One person on the beach was also reportedly injured in the crash landing.

According to witness accounts, the plane's engine cut out and then the pilot dropped the banner the plane was towing, before circling, apparently looking for a place to land.

When the plane's wheels hit the sand, it flipped over, witnesses said.

Fire department, state park lifeguards and Carlsbad police responded to scene.