ROCKLIN, Calif. (TheBlaze/AP) -- Talk about terrifying: A small plane was forced to make an emergency landing in traffic on a highway median in the Sacramento area.
The California Highway Patrol says the aircraft landed safely Wednesday morning on a grassy center divide of Highway 65 near Rocklin as cars whizzed by. No injuries were reported.
Pilot John Mares says he was testing a new engine on the Beech BE35-33A when it lost power at about 3,500 feet, leaving him with no choice but to find a place to land. The incident happened around 10:30 a.m., according to patrol officer Nico Bonfilio.
"A gentlemen was flying the airplane when he experienced a complete mechanical failure," Bonfilio said. "The primary reason for the failure was a fuel pump."
Naturally, everyone was happy that the plane didn't collide with any cars and that there were no injuries.
“Props to him for not hitting any cars when he was landing. He was able to land it safely considering the circumstances. Incredible," Bonfilio continued.
John Mares of Redondo Beach, left, stands next to his Beech BE35-33A airplane after landing it on northbound highway 65 near the Sunset exit in Rocklin, Calif. after having engine trouble, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. Mares says he was testing a new engine on the plane when it lost power at about 3,500 feet, leaving him with no choice but to find a place to land. Credit: AP
A mechanic was on scene to see if the fuel pump failed. The highway remained open although traffic slowed down to see the plane.
The FAA says an inspector was also there to investigate. The CHP will close the northbound lane if the plane is cleared to take off.
