— Breaking News Feed (@PzFeed) March 5, 2015— Lorena de la Cuesta (@LorenadlaCuesta) March 6, 2015
Initial reports that the actor was in critical condition were later downgraded to "fair to moderate," according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
— FOX 11 Los Angeles (@myfoxla) March 5, 2015
He has multiple gashes to the head and was bleeding, according to US Weekly.
— Rachid Haoues (@RachidRouis) March 6, 2015
Ford's son Ben Ford later tweeted that his dad was "ok" and thanked his supporters for their "good vibes."
— Chef Ben Ford (@ChefBenFord) March 6, 2015
— Chef Ben Ford (@ChefBenFord) March 6, 2015
Ford, who is 72, was piloting what appeared to be a vintage 2-seater fighter plane, according to TMZ. He is known as a longtime aviator.
The publication reports he was treated at the scene of the crash in Venice, an area of Los Angeles, by two doctors who happened to be on the Penmar Golf Course, before he was transported to UCLA hospital, where he is being treated at a Level 1 trauma center. He left the scene "conscious and breathing," the LAFD said.
— Air News & Services (@airlivenet) March 6, 2015
The plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Santa Monica Airport, according to Ian Gregor of the Federal Aviation Administration. The Los Angeles Fire Department reported the National Transportation Safety Board will lead an investigation into the crash. The FAA was on the scene and was coordinating with the NTSB.
TMZ released an audio recording of air traffic control responding to what appears to be Ford calling in a request to land after engine failure.
Hollywood was quick to respond on social media.
— MTV (@MTV) March 6, 2015
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) March 6, 2015
— Larry King (@kingsthings) March 6, 2015
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 5, 2015
— Melissa Joan Hart (@MelissaJoanHart) March 6, 2015
The story quickly spread online, and fans chimed in to express their support.
— ℳℯ ✍ (@JermaineWatkins) March 6, 2015
— Evan Onstot (@EvanOnstot) March 5, 2015
— Seat42F (@seat42F) March 5, 2015
— Gene Ramirez (@WFLAGene) March 6, 2015
The star of the Indiana Jones and Star Wars films, Ford has crash-landed his plane twice before. Once in Nebraska in 2000, and a second time in Los Angeles during a training flight in 2009, US Weekly reported.