A slow-speed stolen forklift chase in Washington ended when the alleged thief lost control of the machine on a steep hill.

Gerald Patten's joyride came to a sudden halt when the forklift's tines dug into the road at the bottom of a hill and threw him face-first into the steering wheel.

Police spokesman, Dave Regan, told the Washington Times the chase began when a security guard reported a forklift had crashed through a gate at a Spokane aluminium plant.

Police gave chase as the forklift cruised along at 10mph, running over roadside bins and signs. Regan said Patten was "looking over his shoulder and laughing as he weaved down the roadway" before the chase came to a crashing conclusion.