'Star Wars 7' Cast Harrison Ford Critical After Plane Crash in LA

A plane crashed yesterday in Los Angeles and reports say that its sole occupant was Harrison Ford. According to USA Today the actor's vintage World War II plane crashed on Thursday, March 5, 2015.

According to TMZ, the plane crashed onto the Penmar golf course in Venice, California. A recording was released by the site via YouTube of the actor and private pilot talking to the Santa Monica Control Tower. According to USA Today, Ford had reported engine failure around 2.25 p.m. and requested immediate return. 

Ford's publicist, Ina Treciokas, has already issued a statement confirming the crash.

"Harrison was flying a WW2 vintage plane today which had engine trouble upon take off. He had no other choice but to make an emergency landing, which he did safely." 

Sites report that Ford was turning the plane around to go back to the airport after his plane's engine failed. While the accident still happened, CNN reports that Ford's landing shows his skill as a pilot, having been able to land alive and safely. Miles O'Brien of CNN says the first lesson pilot's learn is to always have an alternate landing site. A golf course would be a good choice, since there is plenty of space and fewer people.  

A witness told TMZ that the plane's nose dived straight into the 8th hole tee of the golf course. TMZ's witness was one of the first people to run towards the plane after it crashed.  

The site's source states, "They got him away from the plane. They were concerned it would catch on fire. Two doctors were there - and they had a 1st aid box with them. He was conscious, talking a little, a huge cut on his head. A swath of his skin was missing. There was blood dripping down his face." 

While initial reports said the actor was "critical condition", the Santa Monica Fire Department later said that the actor was "conscious and breathing" and in "fair to moderate" condition, notes Yahoo! 

Ben Ford, the actor's son, posted a message via Twitter about his father's recovery. He tweeted, "At the hospital. Dad is ok. Batter, but ok! He is every bit the man you would think he is. He is an incredibly strong man." He later posted another tweet, saying, "Thank you all for your thoughts and good vibes for my dad." 

As Ford recovers, the plane crash is being investigated by the NTSB, reports USA Today. Patrick Jones has been assigned to the case and has stated that the plane will taken to another location for further investigation.