CALIFORNIA BRIEFING / WILMINGTON

Mechanical problems forced the pilot of a small experimental aircraft to make an emergency landing Saturday evening near the Conoco Phillips oil refinery, authorities said.

The pilot brought the single-engine plane down about 7 p.m. on a maintenance road near the petroleum facility at 1660 W. Anaheim St., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. No injuries or property damage were reported.

Firefighters said the plane, which looks like a hang glider with an engine and wheels, developed mechanical problems shortly after takeoff from Torrance Municipal Airport. Air traffic controllers contacted the Fire Department when the plane disappeared from radar.

-- Dan Weikel