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Gainesville Today
By the People, for the People
Small Plane Crash Lands on Georgia Street, Pilot Warns 'We're Not Going to Make It'
Dramatic video captures the moment the single-engine plane struck multiple cars after experiencing engine trouble shortly after takeoff.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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A small plane crash-landed on a busy street in Gainesville, Georgia, after the pilot reported engine trouble and radioed a distress call to his wife, saying 'We're not going to make it.' Dramatic footage shows the 2010 Beechcraft Hawker G-36 plane hitting several cars as it came down on Browns Bridge Road, but miraculously the pilot and student pilot on board only suffered minor injuries.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the dangers of small plane travel and the quick thinking required of pilots when facing engine failure. While crashes like this are rare, they can have devastating consequences, making this a significant news story about public safety and the challenges faced by general aviation pilots.
The details
According to authorities, the single-engine plane had just taken off from the nearby Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport when the pilot, Thomas Rogers, reported engine trouble. Rogers radioed a mayday call to his wife, saying 'We're not going to make it' and asking her to tell his family he loved them. Moments later, the plane came down on the busy street, striking multiple vehicles before coming to a stop. Remarkably, Rogers and the student pilot on board only suffered minor injuries.
- The incident occurred on Monday, February 11, 2026 around 3:50 PM local time.
- The plane had just taken off from Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport shortly before the crash landing.
The players
Thomas Rogers
The experienced pilot of the Beechcraft Hawker G-36 plane who reported engine trouble and made the emergency landing on the street.
Gainesville Police Department
The local law enforcement agency that responded to the crash landing and praised the pilot for avoiding more serious damage and injuries.
What they’re saying
“Mayday, mayday, mayday! We're not going to make it. Please tell my wife, Molly, I love her ... and my parents. I love them so much.”
— Thomas Rogers, Pilot (audio obtained by WSBTV)
“The fact that this plane came down, did not strike any power poles, any power lines, and only hit three vehicles is absolutely remarkable.”
— Kevin Holbrook, Police Captain, Gainesville Police Department (interview with WAGA)
What’s next
The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the cause of the engine failure that led to the emergency landing.
The takeaway
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks and challenges faced by small plane pilots, and the importance of thorough maintenance, pilot training, and emergency preparedness to help avoid tragedies when mechanical issues arise in the air.
