A small aircraft crash-landed on Interstate 95 in Brevard County, Florida, on Monday evening, striking a passenger vehicle during an emergency landing and prompting a federal investigation.
According to Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR), the incident occurred just before 6 p.m. on the southbound lanes of I-95 near mile marker 201 in Cocoa.
What happened?
Authorities say the fixed-wing Beechcraft 55 aircraft was attempting to make an emergency landing after the pilot reported engine trouble mid-flight. The plane was traveling southbound on I-95 when it collided with a Toyota Camry that was already on the roadway.
Video footage circulating online shows the aircraft descending toward traffic before briefly landing on the vehicle and skidding across the highway, sending sparks into the air.
Who was involved?
BCFR confirmed that two people were aboard the aircraft, while one person was inside the car at the time of the crash.
- The driver of the Toyota Camry, a 57-year-old woman, was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.
- The pilot, a 27-year-old man, and his 27-year-old male passenger were not injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Cause of the emergency landing
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the pilot reported engine issues shortly before attempting to land on the interstate. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) later confirmed the aircraft had departed from Merritt Island on an instructional flight before losing power in both engines, forcing the emergency landing.
Traffic disruptions
Both northbound and southbound lanes of I-95 were temporarily shut down as emergency crews responded to the scene. All lanes have since reopened, according to FHP.
Investigation underway
The NTSB has opened a formal investigation into the crash, which will examine the mechanical failure, pilot actions, and other contributing factors. Investigators will also review flight data and maintenance records.
Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, authorities emphasized that there were no serious or life-threatening injuries, calling the outcome “remarkably fortunate” given the circumstances.
