A light aircraft made an emergency landing on a busy road in Gainesville, Georgia, on 9/2 at approximately 12:10. The Hawker Beechcraft BE-36 experienced a technical issue shortly after takeoff from a nearby airport, forcing the pilot to land on the road, according to officer Kevin Holbrook of the Gainesville Police Department.
The aircraft collided with three SUVs before coming to a stop. Two drivers of the affected vehicles sustained injuries and were hospitalized. The pilot and a passenger on board the plane were unharmed.
Videos circulating on social media show the aircraft landing in the middle of the road, then rapidly skidding, spinning, and colliding with other vehicles before stopping.
Gainesville officials reported that the pilot stated the aircraft experienced a technical malfunction, prompting an attempt to land in the safest possible location.
Officer Holbrook remarked that "only by luck" did the accident not result in mass casualties. The road where the plane landed has 6 lanes and sees a daily traffic volume of 100,000 vehicles.
"This is a major commercial area, with many restaurants just meters from the road", Holbrook told USA Today. "It's remarkable that the aircraft landed without hitting power poles or wires, only colliding with a few vehicles".
The US Federal Aviation Administration and local authorities are investigating the incident.
Nhu Tam (According to USA Today, CBS News)
