Drivers along U.S. 290 in southwest Travis County got a surprising sight Wednesday afternoon when a small plane was forced to make an emergency landing on the highway.
According to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, the Beechcraft BE-35 landed on the westbound lanes of U.S. 290 near Circle Drive shortly after 4:30 p.m.
Authorities say the pilot was the only person on board the aircraft and was not injured during the landing. No motorists or bystanders were hurt either.
The Oak Hill Fire Department said the pilot reported engine trouble, which led to the emergency landing on the busy highway.
Several drivers witnessed the dramatic moment as the aircraft descended onto the roadway. One driver who recorded video of the incident said he saw the plane suddenly drop down in front of traffic while he was driving home.
“I’m driving down the highway and I see a plane above me,” driver Ryan Dorer said. “All of a sudden he drops out of the sky right in front of my truck.”
The landing temporarily closed two westbound lanes of U.S. 290 while emergency crews responded and assessed the aircraft.
Officials later removed the plane from the roadway and traffic eventually reopened in the area.
The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified of the incident and is expected to release a preliminary report. The National Transportation Safety Board will determine whether a full investigation is necessary.
Authorities say the situation could have been far worse given the traffic on the highway, but the pilot was able to bring the aircraft down safely without striking any vehicles.
