Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing On Highway 101

SAN MARTIN (CBS SF) -- A single-engine Piper airplane experiencing engine failure late Sunday morning safely made an emergency landing in the northbound lanes of Highway 101 near San Martin, officials said.

Ian Gregor, the FAA Pacific Division public affairs manager, said the pilot radioed he was having engine issues before landing on the freeway near the San Martin airport.

The California Highway Patrol said the pilot was able to avoid colliding with any vehicles when it landed around 11:17 a.m. on Highway 101 just north of the Middle Road exit.

The passing lane was blocked for a short time, but the plane has been removed from the freeway and all lanes were quickly reopened.

Gregor said the pilot, who was the only person on board, wasn't hurt during the landing near San Martin Airport, south of San Jose. The California Highway Patrol said there were no injuries on the ground.

There was no damage to the single-engine Piper PA-46. Photos from the scene showed the plane perpendicular to highway lanes.

The plane is registered to a Watsonville leasing company.

In:
• CHP