Plane lands on Loudoun County Parkway in Virginia: police
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. - A plane landed on the Loudoun County Parkway in Virginia Friday afternoon.
According to the FAA, a single-engine Cessna 208 Caravan made a hard landing on Route 606 after departing Dulles International Airport, in Virginia, around 12:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19. Officials say seven people were on board.
The aircraft has been identified as Southern Airways Express flight 246.
Virginia State police say the pilot was able to safely land the plane in the roadway without hitting any cars. The Cessna aircraft only damaged the guardrail on the right side of the parkway.
The pilot has been identified as 27-year-old Ahmed Awais of Florida. Awais, the co-pilot and the five passengers on board were not injured.
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Southbound lanes were closed immediately following the incident. No delays at this time in northbound lanes. There was a large police and emergency presence on the scene, but the plane has since been towed away. The roads have been treated by VDOT officials and the lanes are now open.
No word on injuries at this time or the cause of this emergency landing.
The FAA and NTSB have been notified, and an investigation is ongoing.
In a statement obtained by the Associated Press, the airline’s CEO, Stan Little, said, "We are relieved to report there were no injuries, and all passengers are safe and sound. We are thankful to our pilots, who did exactly what they were trained to do -- to put the safety of our passengers first. We are working closely with the authorities to thoroughly investigate the situation."
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This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 5 for more information.
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