NORTH FORT MYERS, Florida. —
A small plane made an emergency landing Saturday afternoon on Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers, backing up traffic for miles and leaving the plane and a pickup truck damaged.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said two pilots were on board the plane, which struck the back of a truck while landing. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
“It’s definitely not something you see in front of your house every day, that’s for sure,” said Lindsey Wegelian, a North Fort Myers resident.
The sheriff’s office confirmed the plane, a small Cessna, had to land due to a mechanical or engine failure. Responders from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Transportation, Bayshore Fire Rescue and Airport Fire Rescue were on scene.
Elizabeth Clements and Faith John said they were at work when they heard what they initially thought was a car crash.
“I turn around and see a plane bouncing down the road,” said North Fort Myers resident Faith John.
This is not the first time the plane has made an emergency landing. In August, the Highland County Sheriff’s Office reported that the same plane had engine problems while flying from Fort Myers to Sebring with three people on board.
“You know, honestly, I’m not that surprised. It seems very fitting for Florida. I’m just glad no one seems to have been hurt, which is always a good sign,” Wegelian said.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating and has confirmed that it was a Cessna 172 that crashed. The pilot reported an engine problem.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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