Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing on Pennsylvania Highway

Dramatic video captures the aircraft touching down on Interstate 78 after engine issues.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

On April 4, a small Rockwell plane with two people aboard made an emergency landing on Interstate 78 in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania after the pilot reported engine problems. No injuries were reported, and the plane was towed to a local airport for further investigation by the FAA and Pennsylvania State Police.

Why it matters

Emergency landings of small aircraft on busy highways are extremely rare and can pose significant risks to drivers. This incident highlights the importance of proper aircraft maintenance and the quick thinking of the pilot to safely land the plane without any injuries or major damage.

The details

According to authorities, the 65-year-old male pilot and 34-year-old female passenger were traveling from Solberg, New Jersey to Indiana when the pilot reported engine issues. The pilot attempted to reach a nearby airport but was forced to land the Rockwell 1995 Commander 114B plane on I-78 in Weisenberg Township. Dramatic footage captured by a driver shows the plane flying low over vehicles before touching down in the next lane.

  • The incident occurred around 9:20 a.m. local time on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
  • All eastbound traffic on I-78 was detoured until the scene was cleared around 1 p.m. the same day.

The players

Pennsylvania State Police (PSP)

The state law enforcement agency that responded to the emergency landing and is assisting the FAA with the investigation.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The federal agency that regulates and oversees civil aviation in the United States, and is leading the investigation into the cause of the engine issues that led to the emergency landing.

Rockwell 1995 Commander 114B

The small private plane that was forced to make the emergency landing on the highway.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Honestly I was in disbelief because I never expected a plane to land in front of me! It's not something that you ever expect to really happen. It's kind of something you expect from the movies.”

— Emily Rivera, Eyewitness

What’s next

The FAA and Pennsylvania State Police will continue their investigation into the cause of the engine issues that led to the emergency landing. The pilot and passenger have not been publicly identified at this time.

The takeaway

This dramatic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper aircraft maintenance and the quick thinking of pilots to safely land planes in emergency situations. While no one was injured, the potential risks of a small plane landing on a busy highway highlight the need for continued vigilance and safety protocols in general aviation.