Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing on Interstate 78

Video captures dramatic highway touchdown in Lehigh County

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:38pm

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A small private plane was forced to make an emergency landing on Interstate 78 in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania on Saturday morning. Dramatic video footage shows the plane touching down smoothly in the eastbound lanes near the Lynnport/New Smithville exit, before pulling off to the shoulder. The two people on board were uninjured, and the highway was closed for several hours as the plane was towed away.

Why it matters

While emergency landings on highways are extremely rare, this incident highlights the potential dangers and disruptions that can occur when aircraft experience in-flight issues. The quick thinking and skilled piloting likely prevented a much more serious outcome, and the closure of I-78 caused significant traffic delays in the area.

The details

According to officials, the small private plane made the emergency landing just before 9:20 a.m. on Saturday. Video footage shows the plane coming down slightly hard but otherwise making a smooth touchdown in the middle of the eastbound lanes. The plane then pulled off to the shoulder before coming to a stop, with its wing extending over one of the travel lanes. The two people on board were uninjured. The highway was shut down in both directions as the plane was towed to Queen City Airport in Allentown, causing major traffic backups in the area. All lanes of I-78 reopened by 1 p.m.

  • The emergency landing occurred just before 9:20 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
  • Interstate 78 was closed in both directions for several hours as the plane was towed away.
  • All lanes of I-78 reopened by 1 p.m. on Saturday.

The players

Interstate 78

A major east-west interstate highway running through eastern Pennsylvania, including Lehigh County where the emergency landing took place.

Queen City Airport

A general aviation airport located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where the plane was towed after the emergency landing.

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What they’re saying

“While the landing didn't affect the highway's westbound lanes, traffic backed up as motorists slowed to catch a glimpse of the plane.”

— Morning Call staff

What’s next

Authorities will investigate the cause of the in-flight issue that led to the emergency landing. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will likely be involved in the review process.

The takeaway

This dramatic incident on Interstate 78 serves as a reminder of the potential risks and disruptions that can occur when aircraft experience mechanical problems or other emergencies. The skilled piloting and quick response likely prevented a much more serious outcome, but the highway closure caused significant traffic delays in the area.