A single-engine Hawker Beechcraft BE-36 made an emergency landing on a busy Gainesville, Georgia, roadway around 12:10 p.m. Monday after the pilot reported engine issues, striking vehicles in the process. Two people were taken to a hospital with minor injuries, while the two people on the aircraft were not hurt, authorities said.
The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that the pilot landed the plane on a road in Gainesville “due to reported engine issues.” The Federal Aviation Administration will be looking into the landing.
The pilot, identified by FOX 5 Atlanta as Thomas Rogers, said the plane lost engine power shortly after taking off from Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport. The crew knew they didn’t have enough altitude to make it back to the runway. Gainesville Police Capt. Kevin Holbrook said the plane struck three cars and dislodged a fuel tank into the back of a car, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
The incident unfolded quickly, with the pilot declaring an emergency as he tried to avoid a worse outcome in heavy traffic. In separate reporting, WSB-TV said police described minor injuries at the scene and confirmed the road was closed while crews responded.
The two men on the plane were the pilot, Rogers, and a student pilot. Police said both remained at the scene after the landing.
The FAA said it will investigate the incident. Officials urged drivers to use alternate routes while the area was cleared and reopened.
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