The pilot of a plane that just missed crashing into a house in rural west Ottawa has been taken to hospital with a serious head injury.

The crash occurred near the corner of Howie and Old Almonte roads at about 8:30 a.m. ET.

Ottawa paramedics reported that a 911 caller said the plane had crashed into a house.

When crews arrived, they found the plane had just missed it, though it had ripped out some wires from the home and caused some damage.

The pilot of this small plane was taken by ambulance and then helicopter to hospital in Ottawa. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)

The adult male pilot, who was the only one on board, was seriously injured and was taken in an ambulance to meet a helicopter that would fly him to the Ottawa Hospital's trauma centre, paramedics said.

That transfer briefly closed a section of Highway 417 eastbound near the Carp Road exit.

Police have closed Old Almonte Road between Howie and Beavertail roads.

Jude Bassett lives nearby and heard the crash.

"I ran outside and saw the plane on the ground, flipped over," she said.

"We ran over, my husband ran to get towels [for his head], we just helped him as much as we could until the police and ambulance arrived."

Bassett said the pilot was able to talk and answer questions, but he was stuck inside his plane as it leaked fuel.