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FAIR OAKS-

Metro Fire says a small plane went down Thursday afternoon at a park in Fair Oaks.

The single-engine craft was found on its belly in a soccer field in Phoenix Park. Metro Fire says the pilot was able to walk away from the hard landing with only minor injuries.

Phoenix Park is along Sunset Avenue in Fair Oaks, and is surrounded by homes.

According to the FAA, the plane was Auburn-bound from Salinas. The pilot tried to divert to Mather Airport before making the hard landing in the park.

The 49-year-old pilot is said to have 20 years of flying experience. Firefighters say he did great, given the circumstances.

Phoenix Park is named after Phoenix Field, a small airport that used to occupy that space.

Ian McDonald contributed to this report.