Airplane lands on California Freeway

[AggieMike88]

"The pilot of a 1971 Beech Bonanza airplane contacted FAA controllers at Orange County Airport and reported that he was having engine problems around 7:30 pm. Moments later the plane dropped off the radar screens at the Orange County Airport control tower.

"The pilot and dozens of motorists almost immediately called 911 and reported the plane had landed on the northbound 55 freeway north of Victoria Street in Costa Mesa.

http://theorangecountyindependent.com/2018/01/plane-lands-on-55-freeway-in-costa-mesa/

"According to the pilot, the engine stopped completely and his only option was to land on the busy freeway as he quickly lost altitude. He said he came in low, flew under the Victoria Street bridge, and managed to land the plane between cars and rolled to the right side of the freeway as traffic continued to drive by the plane with many people taking cell phone video and pictures from their cars."


Under the bridge... wow...

 

[AggieMike88]

Google Maps view to show the bridge that he flew under and the relationship to airport.

Looking at the roadway, it appears there were many overpasses in that area. That he squeaked under and didn't hit a tall tractor trailer or other vehicle......

 

[SoCal RV Flyer]

Already a thread on this on Hangar Talk, but the extra graphics are appreciated!

 

[exncsurfer]

Google Maps view to show the bridge that he flew under and the relationship to airport.

Looking at the roadway, it appears there were many overpasses in that area. That he squeaked under and didn't hit a tall tractor trailer or other vehicle......

View attachment 59734

wow, not much room to fly under that 'bridge', from google street view:

 

[TheGolfPilot]

Dudes got out of the airplane like it was the local fbo


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Zeldman]

And yet he failed to signal a lane change.....

Not only walked away but a new engine and that plane will fly again. Happy ending..!!!

 

[Zeldman]

wow, not much room to fly under that 'bridge', from google street view:

That truck box can't be any taller that 13'6", so possibly only 15 feet to put a plane though. I would say good job.!!

 

[AggieMike88]

I'm curious how they will remove it without damage? Just tug it up an onramp and over city streets to the airport?

 

[jordane93]

I'm curious how they will remove it without damage? Just tug it up an onramp and over city streets to the airport?

Probably take the wings off and put it in the back of a truck

 

[MooneyDriver78]

I'm curious how they will remove it without damage? Just tug it up an onramp and over city streets to the airport?

If they did it at 2:00am, with a police escort, should be able tobdo that, they certainly can’t leave it where it is.

 

[frfly172]

That was some nice flying.

 

[Rory]

Interview with the pilot:

 

[Rory]

And here’s footage of a Cessna landing on Long Island’s Sunrise Highway last July, plus comments from the pilot: