Plane makes emergency landing at old Alameda naval station

The air station was designated for closure in September 1993, and ceased all naval operations in April 1997. The air station was designated for closure in September 1993, and ceased all naval operations in April 1997. Photo: CHRIS STEWART, STAFF Photo: CHRIS STEWART, STAFF Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Plane makes emergency landing at old Alameda naval station 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

The pilot of a small Oakland-bound plane made an emergency landing at the former Alameda Naval Air Station on Thursday after his trajectory was blocked by thick clouds, according to officials.

A call came in about 4:45 p.m. from the Federal Aviation Administration in Sacramento reporting a plane was in distress, said Alameda Fire Capt. Jim Colburn.

Bad weather forced the plane to land on a runway at the station, which has been closed since 1997, Colburn said. The plane, a Cessna 172, landed “because of cloud cover at the intended destination of Oakland International Airport,” said Ian Gregor, an FAA spokesman.

The pilot was not injured, he said. It was not immediately clear if there was a passenger on board. Authorities said no damage to the plane was reported.

Before the navy acquired title to the area in 1936, it was occupied by a borax processing plant, an oil refinery, and an airport for the City of Alameda.

After the navy took over, the station primarily provided facilities and support for fleet aviation activities. The station was designated for closure in September 1993, and ceased all naval operations in April 1997.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno