Air traffic control lost contact with a plane that reported mechanical problems Tuesday. But the pilot was able to land safely.

The Demopolis Police Department said the pilot, James Bendall, of Mobile, Ala., was able to land the 1964 Cessna 172F in a pasture near South Maria Avenue. No one was injured and the plane was not damaged.

The police department said it had been informed by Meridian Airport officials at
4 p.m. Tuesday that it had lost radar contact with the aircraft.

The pilot was en route to Mobile from Russellville, Ala., when he was diverted to Demopolis.