Small Plane Lands on Flint Highway After Engine Failure

A single engine plane made an emergency landing on Saturday, October 10, on the shoulder of I-69 near I-75 in Flint Township, Michigan, after an engine failure while approaching Bishop International Airport. The solo pilot survived and no vehicles were damaged.

Flint Township police said the aircraft was descending toward Bishop Airport when the mechanical failure caused the engine to stall. The incident led authorities to close highway lanes while crews responded.

"This afternoon a single engine plane operated by a solo pilot was making a descent towards Bishop Airport. After a mechanical failure the engine stalled, and the pilot was able to land the plane on the shoulder of I-69 near I-75. Flint Township police investigators are working with the (Federal Aviation Administration) and authorities at Bishop Airport." said Flint Township police.

According to CBS News and the Michigan Department of Transportation, I-69 near Bristol Road Exit 131 was closed from about 3:30 p.m. to about 7 p.m. after the landing. Authorities said the pilot was the only person aboard.

Video recorded by a driver showed the plane descending over traffic before moving toward the highway shoulder. The driver described the unexpected scene during the landing.

"Oh my God, is this plane about to land on the (expletive) highway?" said the driver.

The same driver continued recording as the aircraft reached the roadway area and moved away from traffic.

"A plane landed on the highway!" said the driver.

Flint Township police, Federal Aviation Administration officials and Bishop Airport authorities are investigating the cause of the mechanical failure. Authorities reported no injuries and no disruptions to airport operations.