WEST BROWARD, FLA. (WSVN) - A short training flight above South Florida came to an abrupt and unexpected end after a mechanical issue forced the pilot of a small plane to make an emergency landing on Alligator Alley in West Broward.
Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue responded to the scene on the eastbound lanes near Mile Marker 32, Saturday, just after 5:30 p.m.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the single-engine Cessna 172 landed at around 5:15 p.m.
Eddie Luy with the Wayman Aviation Academy said the aircraft suffered mechanical problems, forcing the instructor and student pilot on board to touch down on the highway.
“They had some roughness in the engine, so they had a precautionary safety landing,” he said. “At this time of year, with the wetness and the moisture in the air, we see often what’s called carburetor icing. It restricts fuel flow.”
#BSFR is on the scene of a single engine Cessna which suffered mechanical problems and landed in the eastbound lanes of Alligator Alley MM30. 2 Souls on board, no injuries, roadway is open. pic.twitter.com/WtIPrSnEfC
— Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) August 18, 2018
First responders were met by the two occupants of the aircraft. They were on what was supposed to be a one-hour training flight from Punta Gorda, on Florida’s West coast, to the Miami-Opa locka Executive Airport, when they were suddenly forced to make a new plan — fast.
Thankfully, officials said, there were no vehicles on the eastbound lanes at the time of the landing.
“They went through their emergency procedures, found a good spot to land, saw there was no traffic,” said Luy. “You know, considering we’re surrounded by lots of Everglades, they picked a clear piece of asphalt to land on.”
The aircraft was parked on the right shoulder of the highway, just west of the eastern toll plaza.
No one was hurt, and the aircraft did not appear to have suffered any structural damage.
As crews worked until late Saturday night disassembling the plane for easy transport, highway workers said this is something you don’t see every day.
“You normally see alligators out here, not planes,” said a worker.
FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.
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