A small plane experiencing engine problems landed on a highway near a North Carolina airport, striking two vehicles but causing no injuries. The Lancair 360, with only the pilot on board, had taken off from Lynchburg, Virginia, and was headed to Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the incident, which occurred around 4:20 p.m. on a Thursday near Raleigh Executive Jetport at Sanford-Lee County Airport in Sanford. Despite the plane’s landing gear not being deployed, it landed on its belly after experiencing engine failure due to a prop failure.
The Moncure Fire Department Chief Robert Shi stated that the pilot reported the engine failure and prop failure caused by the plane’s landing gear not being deployed, resulting in the emergency landing on U.S. Route 1. The plane struck two SUVs, one of which sustained minor damage, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. Shi expressed gratitude that the incident only resulted in property damage, noting that US 1 is heavily traveled each afternoon, emphasizing that the situation could have been much worse. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed that only one driver filed a report out of the two vehicles clipped by the plane.
Eyewitness Chris Sealey shared his experience with WRAL-TV, observing the plane flying unusually low without landing gear and initially mistaking it for a strange-looking car from a distance. Sealey noted that the plane was only about three feet off the ground when he first saw it and did not have much distance left to land. Despite the lack of a significant explosion, Sealey mentioned that surrounding traffic was visibly alarmed by the situation, with a line of cars following behind the plane. The smooth landing of the aircraft without any injuries or major damage surprised witnesses and officials alike, avoiding a potentially catastrophic incident on the busy highway.
The emergency landing of the single-engine plane on the highway sparked concern among residents and local authorities, prompting an investigation by the FAA to determine the cause of the engine problems. The pilot’s quick thinking and ability to safely navigate the emergency situation without causing harm or injuries were praised by officials, emphasizing the importance of proper training and preparedness for unexpected incidents in aviation. Despite the potential dangers of landing a plane under such circumstances, the successful outcome and minimal damage from the incident demonstrated the pilot’s skill and composure in handling the mid-air emergency.
The incident on U.S. Route 1 serves as a reminder of the inherent risks and challenges associated with aviation, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance, training, and oversight to ensure the safety of both pilots and the public. The cooperation and swift response of local emergency responders helped mitigate the impact of the emergency landing, preventing any injuries or casualties in the aftermath. Moving forward, authorities will continue to investigate the incident to identify any lessons learned and potential safety improvements that can be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. By learning from this incident and implementing necessary changes, the aviation industry can further enhance safety practices and protocols to protect both passengers and communities from the risks of mid-air emergencies.