TEMECULA - A single-engine plane went down in Temecula today, injuring the pilot as he attempted to make an emergency landing in a field and struck a fence after touching down.

The crash happened about 2 p.m. near Butterfield and Murrieta Hot Springs roads on the northern edge of the city limits, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The pilot was the lone occupant of the aircraft that was either en route to, or just leaving, French Valley Airport less than two miles away.

The plane had unknown mechanical trouble, and the pilot apparently was forced to land in an open field, authorities said.

He struck a fence, causing the aircraft to overturn.

The man, whose identity was not released, was taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries, according to the fire department.