HAYWARD, Calif. -- A twin-engine Beechcraft plane crashed shortly after takeoff Wednesday at Hayward Airport, bursting into flames, but the pilot was able to escape without injury, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA told KTVU that the crash occurred at about 12:28 p.m. after experiencing an unknown problem. The King Air B200GT was used for charters and registered to Henry Broadcasting Nevada Inc., a San Francisco company.

Fire crews quickly responded, extinguishing the flames that had touched off a small brushfire.

"We believe at this time that the pilot was the only person on board," said FAA spokesman Ian Gregor. "I am happy to report that the pilot was uninjured. He told us that he got himself out of the aircraft."

He said the pilot was attempting to make a short flight across the San Francisco Bay to a small airport in San Carlos, Gregor said.

For bystanders who saw the plane crash, it was hard to believe anyone could walk away alive from the flaming wreckage and thick smoke...

Witnesses said the Beechcraft King Air twin-engine plane appeared to be in trouble just moments after taking off.

"It wasn't just a slight bank, but a very sharp bank," said witness Beth Farmer, "I didn't see him hit the building, but I saw fragments blow off the building and then saw the smoke. [I] ran in and called 911."

"The wing sheared the top of the building here and then it just continued behind me and crashed on the railroad tracks." Hayward Police Officer David Springer.

KTVU obtained security camera video of the plane crash from the warehouse company Global Supply.

The footage shows the plane speed in from the right side of the video and burst into flames as it crashes into the building.

Officials said the 10-seat aircraft was heading for San Carlos and had about 200 gallons of fuel on board. The crash sparked a grass fire and sent debris flying across the Hayward airport runway.

Inside the warehouse, employees were shocked by the impact. Some said it felt like an earthquake.

Alan Fraley was working inside a neighboring building when he heard the plane and then a thump.

"When we came out there was a big ball of flames," he said. "Billowing smoke and flames."

One witness KTVU talked to actually spoke with the pilot.

"And he goes ‘I'm the pilot’ and we then get a little closer and we see one side of his pants are ripped to shreds and his hands are burned,” said witness Tom O'Grady. “And he said he just unstrapped and bolted out the back door as soon as the plane hit and made it out."

Fire officials told KTVU the pilot was examined by paramedics. He told officials he has 20 years of flight experience.

"He appeared to be a bit shaken, but he did appear that he was happy that he survived this incident," said Thor Poulsen of the Hayward Fire Department

According to Federal records, the plane is registered to the Henry Broadcasting Company in San Francisco. The Hayward Airport reopened Wednesday night. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the incident, but it could take a while to determine the cause of this crash.