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WEISENBERG TOWNSHIP, LEHIGH COUNTY — In an unexpected turn of events on a Saturday morning, a small aircraft made an emergency landing on Interstate 78 in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. The safe landing was confirmed by Pennsylvania State Police, drawing both relief and attention to the unusual incident.
Trooper Nathan Bronosky, serving as the Public Information Officer, shared details of the incident via social media, stating that the plane touched down safely on the eastbound lanes of I-78, near Mile Marker 45 in Weisenberg Township. Onboard were two individuals who remarkably emerged unscathed from the ordeal.
The aircraft was piloted by a 65-year-old man from Michigan, with a 34-year-old woman from New Jersey as his passenger. Both demonstrated commendable composure despite the unexpected circumstances they found themselves in.
According to the pilot’s account, the plane encountered unspecified engine troubles. After a failed attempt to reach a nearby airport, the pilot skillfully managed to bring the plane down on the interstate, averting what could have been a far more dangerous situation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of flying, where even routine flights can take unexpected turns. The quick thinking and adept handling by the pilot undoubtedly played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of those involved.
The plane landed just after 9:15 a.m. Saturday, according to the flight logs. The plane took off from Soldberg/Hunterdon around 8:45 a.m., destined for a 10:53 a.m. arrival in Alleghany County.
According to a Weisenberg Volunteer Fire Department release, the plane was transported to Queen City Airport in Allentown.
There was a small fuel spill from the plane on the scene that was cleaned up.
All eastbound traffic was being detoured onto Exit 40, Bronosky says. According to 511pa.com, all eastbound lanes reopened before 1:30.
There were no closures on the westbound lanes.
