Plane Lands Safely on State Route 67 in Lakeside

No injuries reported after small private plane touched down on highway

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A single-engine private plane made an emergency landing on southbound State Route 67 in Lakeside, California on Saturday morning. The three people on board were unharmed, and there was no damage to the plane or any vehicles on the highway.

Why it matters

While emergency landings on highways are rare, they highlight the importance of pilot training and the ability of authorities to respond quickly to secure the scene and ensure public safety. This incident also raises questions about the challenges of finding suitable landing sites in populated areas.

The details

According to the California Highway Patrol, the plane landed safely on the right shoulder of southbound State Route 67 near the Winter Gardens Boulevard exit around 10 AM. Deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, local fire departments, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board all responded to the scene.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, February 7, 2026 around 10 AM.

The players

California Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that responded to the emergency landing.

San Diego County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that assisted with the response.

Federal Aviation Administration

The federal agency that investigates aviation incidents.

National Transportation Safety Board

The federal agency responsible for investigating transportation accidents.

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What’s next

The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the cause of the emergency landing.

The takeaway

This incident demonstrates the preparedness of local authorities to handle unexpected aviation emergencies and the importance of having contingency plans for pilots when faced with in-flight issues.