A small aircraft made an emergency landing on a busy Florida freeway on Monday evening, striking a moving vehicle before skidding to a halt. Authorities said the pilot reported engine trouble shortly before the landing on Interstate-95 in Merritt Island at around 5.45 p.m.
Plane reports engine trouble before freeway landing
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the fixed-wing Beechcraft 55 attempted an emergency landing after reporting an engine malfunction. Video circulating online shows the aircraft descending rapidly toward the freeway as vehicles continue moving along the lanes.
Aircraft lands on top of Toyota Camry
Local reports from Fox Orlando indicate that the plane crash-landed on a 2023 Toyota Camry travelling along the interstate. The aircraft appeared to touch down on the vehicle’s roof before sliding forward and coming to rest on the road.
The pilot and his passenger, both 27-year-old men — one from Orlando and the other from Temple Terrace — were unharmed. The 57-year-old woman driving the Camry sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Investigation underway
Traffic on the interstate was temporarily disrupted as emergency personnel secured the scene and cleared debris. The FAA and local authorities are investigating the incident, including the cause of the reported engine failure.