A small plane experienced engine issues and was forced to make an emergency landing on a highway in North Carolina. The single-engine Lancair 360 landed on its belly and skidded across US Route 1, clipping two cars but causing no injuries. Witnesses described the landing as dramatic, with the plane being just feet off the ground when it was spotted. The plane was en route from Lynchburg, Virginia to Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina when it was forced to land near Raleigh Executive Jetport due to engine trouble. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that only the pilot was on board at the time of the incident.
Chris Sealey, a witness to the emergency landing, reported that there was no major explosion following the crash, although the traffic in the area was greatly affected. The plane was flying at a low altitude when it made the landing, causing concern among onlookers. Despite the aircraft hitting two SUVs on the highway, only minor damage occurred and no injuries were reported. Moncure Fire Department Chief Robert Shi explained that the pilot experienced a prop failure that led to the engine failure, resulting in the belly landing of the plane without the deployment of the landing gear.
The Moncure Fire Department expressed gratitude that the incident did not result in any injuries, considering the heavy traffic on US Route 1 during the afternoon. Shi also noted that the outcome could have been much worse given the circumstances. Although the plane hit two cars on the highway, only one driver filed a report following the incident. The pilot managed to successfully land the aircraft despite the engine trouble, ensuring that there were no injuries or major damage beyond the minor damage caused to the vehicles on the highway due to the emergency landing.
The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to investigate the incident to determine the exact cause of the engine failure and the circumstances that led to the emergency landing on the highway. The pilot’s quick thinking and ability to land the plane safely under such challenging conditions prevented more serious consequences. The pilot’s skill and professionalism were evident in their ability to navigate a successful emergency landing on the highway while avoiding major damage and injuries to themselves and others. Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of pilots’ training and expertise in handling unexpected situations and emergencies while in flight.
