Police say plane that landed on I-78 was bound for Indiana; dashcam video shows the landing | Lehigh County

WEISENBERG TWP., Pa – Two people made it out safe after an emergency plane landing on the highway. It happened on I-78 in Weisenberg Township Saturday morning.

“In that area of the highway is the best I got,” an air traffic controller can be heard saying over audio.

“Okay. We’ll do it,” the pilot of the plane can be heard saying.

The emergency landing happened just before 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Moments earlier the pilot can be heard saying the plane had partial power.

“It looks like you’re descending. Are you not able to hold up?” asked an air traffic controller.

“Negative,” the pilot responded.

“The highway is just off your right,” the air traffic controller suggested.

“Yeah, I don’t want to land on the highway,” said the pilot.

“Driver came in later and said ‘Hey, there’s a plane on the highway’,” said Andrew Haldman, who works nearby.

Haldman said he heard sirens earlier.

“A couple of us came out to look and sure enough it’s right there,” said Haldman.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, a 65-year-old man and his 34-year-old daughter, both from Michigan, were flying a 1995 Commander 114B plane from Readington Township, New Jersey to Indiana to attend the Final Four.

While in route, the operator reported unknown engine problems and attempted to fly to a local airport in the area, but then landed onto I-78 Eastbound, mile marker 45.6, in Weisenberg Township, the release says.

“They had engine trouble. They attempted to turn around and land at the Queen City Airport, but were unable to do so,” said Trooper Nathan Branosky.

The emergency landing brought traffic to a halt for hours. Trooper Branosky said there was a minor fuel leak.

“Fortunately, there were no injuries to anyone on board,” said Trooper Branosky.

Butch Stopp said he was working in a field nearby when he heard about the landing on his phone.

“Hardly anything like this here. Something different,” said Stopp.

The plane has been towed away to Queen City Airport.

“No one is hurt. Everything is good. Everyone can still get home for Easter hopefully,” said Haldman.

There were also no injuries reported on the ground. State police say the FAA is investigating this emergency landing.