Small Plane Executes 'Remarkable' Emergency Landing on Busy Georgia Road
Two individuals have survived after a small plane was forced to make an emergency landing on a heavily trafficked road in Georgia, United States. The incident occurred around 12:10 PM on Monday, February 9, at a busy intersection in Gainesville.
Pilot Describes Moments After Engine Failure
Thomas Rogers, the pilot of the single-engine aircraft, recounted the harrowing experience to local media. "We lost our engine taking off out of Gainesville and realised, tried to glide back, did everything by the book, but realised we weren't gonna make it back with how far out we were, so we came down the road," Mr Rogers explained.
Gainesville Police Captain Kevin Holbrook confirmed that the plane was attempting to return to the airport after the pilot noticed a loss of engine power. Without a runway within reach, Mr Rogers was compelled to aim for the traffic-filled asphalt.
Emergency Landing Strikes Three Vehicles
During the emergency landing, the aircraft struck three vehicles and ripped a fuel tank loose, sending it crashing into the back of an SUV. Captain Holbrook emphasised the extraordinary nature of the outcome.
"The fact that this plane came down, did not strike any power poles, any power lines, and only hit three vehicles is absolutely remarkable," Captain Holbrook stated. He added that hundreds of thousands of vehicles travel the roadway every day, so emergency crews were expecting the worst.
Onlookers Witness Unbelievable Scene
Deanna Campbell, an onlooker, watched in disbelief as the landing unfolded. "I just told my husband, I said, ‘That’s a plane! That’s a plane!’ It really scared us," Mrs Campbell recalled.
Police confirmed that Mr Rogers and a student pilot sustained minor injuries in the incident and were transported to hospital for treatment. Captain Holbrook noted that this is typically a situation where multiple fatalities would be expected, making the survival all the more significant.
The Gainesville Police Department released images showing the small plane on the road and being moved after the emergency landing. The department highlighted the daily traffic volume on the road, underscoring the potential severity of the incident.
