Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing on California Highway

Incident on SR-67 near Lakeside causes traffic delays as authorities respond

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A single-engine private plane made an emergency landing on State Route 67 near the Winter Gardens Boulevard exit in Lakeside, California, partially blocking a slow lane and slowing traffic. Emergency responders were on the scene working to secure the area and manage the traffic around the disabled aircraft.

Why it matters

Unplanned landings of aircraft on highways are rare but can pose significant risks to drivers and the pilot. This incident highlights the importance of proper emergency procedures and coordination between aviation authorities and local law enforcement to ensure public safety when such events occur.

The details

According to reports, the private single-engine plane came down on SR-67 with one wing jutting into the slow lane, obstructing traffic. Emergency crews from the California Highway Patrol and other agencies responded rapidly to the scene to secure the area and direct traffic around the disabled aircraft.

  • The incident occurred on February 7, 2026.

The players

California Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that responded to the scene and is managing the traffic situation.

Caltrans

The California Department of Transportation, which operates the traffic cameras that captured images of the plane on the highway.

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What’s next

Authorities will investigate the cause of the emergency landing and work to remove the plane from the highway, restoring normal traffic flow.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper emergency procedures and coordination between aviation authorities and local law enforcement to ensure public safety when unexpected events like this occur on public roadways.