A small plane crashed into a line of trees along the Southern State Parkway in Farmingdale Saturday. 

State police say it happened around 4:10 p.m. near the Southern State Parkway's westbound lanes, by Exits 32-33.

According to the FAA, the Mooney M20R plane was making its final approach to Runway 1 at Republic Airport in Farmingdale when it crashed in the woods about a mile south of the runway.

The FAA says the pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft. State police tell News 12 that the pilot suffered only minor injuries.

The plane had taken off from Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach, according to the FAA.

Aviation experts say pilots train for this type of situation. 

"One of the things you try to do if you have to force land an aircraft is try not to hit anything or hit people or any obstructions that might hit anybody else. So, it looks like he was able to do that so that is good news,” says Dr Michael Cander.

The crash halted traffic in both directions on the parkway in the area, but lanes have since been reopened. 

Traffic along the southern state parkway was at a standstill and remained sluggish until 7 p.m when crews were able to remove the aircraft from the scene.

Remnants of the plane are being towed and brought to a yard. From there, the FAA will take over and start their investigation into the cause of the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board will determine the probable cause of the accident.