BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. -- Two 14-year-old boys escaped with minor injuries after crash-landing a small plane that authorities say they stole from an airport hangar.

The single-engine Mooney M20C belonged to one of the boys' parents, and the pair was trying to run away from their homes, said Cindy Beavers, spokeswoman for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

"There was a disagreement between the boys and their parents, and (the boys) decided to run away," she said.

The boys took the plane from Big Bear Airport Sunday afternoon, authorities said. The airport has no control tower and pilots are not required to check in with anyone before taking off, said Garry Dokter, the airport's general manager.

Two pilots saw the boys taxiing and called the plane's owner and the Sheriff's Department.

The plane ditched in Joshua Tree National Park between 5:30 and 6 p.m. The boys suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene by rangers, according to park officials.

Officials said they didn't know why the plane went down but speculated it ran out of gas.

Although neither boy has a pilot's license , the one who piloted the plane flew regularly with his father, Dokter said.

The boys were arrested for investigation of airplane theft and burglary, Beavers said. They were booked into San Bernardino County Juvenile Hall on Monday.

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lol.. maybe next time they should just walk instead

Dang...When I ran away from home I saved lunch money for the bus... I didn't even try to drive the bus, I was happy to ride in the back...

I used to live in Lake Arrowhead which is the next town over. The city is over a mile high and the airport is very difficult to fly out of or into...

You have to hand it to them; if you are going to get away, it is a nifty way to do it...

they probably forgot to turn the fuel valve to the "ON" position before TO.

what a waste the mooney m-20c is a pretty nice ride.

they were lucky they didn't steal a "forked-tailed Dr-killer"--LOL

Big Bear Lake? cool, just been tere for a holiday with school...broke my wrist snowboarding, ha ha.....

showoffs...i meen, most kids just take their parents car, but no, they had to take the plane... sheesh...

Wouldnt it of been easier to steal a car and drive to Mcdonalds????

That's wild . . . lucky for them they didn't seriously injure themselves or anyone else.