A small plane made an emergency landing on a busy Florida freeway Monday evening, resulting in a collision with at least one vehicle. The incident occurred around 5:45 p.m. on Interstate-95 in Merritt Island, as the fixed-wing Beechcraft 55 reported engine trouble to authorities, prompting the pilot’s swift decision to land.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft struck a 2023 Toyota Camry during its landing attempt. Fortunately, the pilot and a passenger, both 27 years old and hailing from Orlando and Temple Terrace respectively, emerged from the incident unscathed.
However, the 57-year-old woman driving the Camry was taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Eyewitness accounts and video footage circulating online depict the dramatic moments leading up to the plane’s landing, showcasing the aircraft approaching the busy roadway as the Camry was in motion.
Once it made contact with the vehicle, the Beechcraft appeared to land on top of the Camry before skidding in front of it onto the road. The Florida Highway Patrol has been involved in the investigation, capturing the aftermath of the landing, which left debris scattered along the freeway.
This unusual incident adds to the ongoing concern about aviation safety and the challenges faced by small aircraft in emergency situations. Authorities continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the emergency landing as they work to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future.
