RIO LINDA, Calif. -- A small plane crashed near the Rio Linda airport Wednesday morning, injuring the pilot and three passengers on board.

Authorities said the plane, reportedly a 1957 Beechcraft Bonanza, had just taken off when it apparently experienced an engine problem. The pilot turned back to the airport, but was unable to make it back to the runway.

The plane went down into the levee of the Magpie Creek diversion canal.

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Airborne officers from the California Highway Patrol were flying over the area at the time of the crash and quickly landed their plane and ran to the scene to assist the victims.

Three of the victims were taken by ambulance to area hospitals with moderate injuries. The pilot suffered more serious injuries and was taken by Lifeflight helicopter to the hospital.

The plane was intact following the crash, easing concerns about hazardous materials spilling into the creek, however officials said they would continue to monitor the scene for any leakage.