GREENSBORO, N.C. — A small plane that had made an emergency landing on a highway near a North Carolina airport was hit by a vehicle, injuring one of the aircraft’s occupants, authorities said.
The single-engine plane experienced a mechanical failure and put out a distress call around 8 p.m. Wednesday to Piedmont Triad International Airport, Greensboro police said in a news release.
The plane landed on westbound Interstate 840 at the junction with Interstate 73, and after it stopped, a passenger vehicle hit it, police said. One of the two people on the plane was taken to a hospital with a minor injury, police said. The driver of the passenger vehicle was not hurt.
Greensboro police will investigate the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the cause of the airplane malfunction.
A small plane was forced to make an emergency landing on a highway in a rural area, resulting in a collision with a vehicle. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, causing a major disruption to traffic and raising concerns about the safety of small aircraft.
The pilot of the single-engine Cessna 172 reported engine trouble shortly after taking off from a nearby airport. With no other suitable landing options in the area, the pilot made the decision to land on the highway, which was relatively clear of traffic at the time.
As the plane touched down on the highway, it collided with a vehicle traveling in the same direction. The impact caused significant damage to both the plane and the vehicle, but fortunately, no one was seriously injured in the incident.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to assess the situation and ensure the safety of all involved. The highway was temporarily closed to allow for the removal of the plane and vehicle from the roadway.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the engine failure and the circumstances surrounding the emergency landing. The pilot will also be interviewed to gather more information about the events leading up to the collision.
This incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with small aircraft operations and the importance of proper maintenance and training for pilots. While emergency landings on highways are rare, they can pose a significant danger to both pilots and motorists if not executed properly.
In light of this incident, local authorities are urging pilots to prioritize safety and follow proper procedures in the event of an emergency. They are also reminding motorists to be vigilant and cautious when sharing the road with small aircraft.
As the investigation into this incident continues, it is hoped that valuable lessons can be learned to prevent similar accidents in the future. In the meantime, both pilots and motorists are encouraged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety at all times.
