by Small Commuter Plane Makes Emergency Landing on Virginia Roadway
A small commuter plane departing from Dulles Airport near Washington, DC, has made an emergency landing on a Virginia roadway, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported that there were seven people on board the single-engine Cessna 208 Caravan, and they described the landing as “hard.”
The FAA is currently conducting an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, Virginia transportation officials have stated that the plane is blocking all lanes of the Loudoun County Parkway at Arcola Mills Drive.
Virginia State Police responded to a call about the emergency landing at 12:51 p.m. They confirmed that the aircraft, identified as Southern Airways Express flight 246, had landed in the DIREX lanes of the Loudoun County Parkway. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries. State Police are currently on the scene, managing the situation.
Dulles Airport received reports of the aircraft landing off airport property on a nearby roadway. However, the airport has stated that it remains open for takeoffs and landings. Responders from Loudoun County are also present at the scene.
FlightAware, a tracking site, provides additional information about the incident. It reveals that the Cessna Caravan, operated by Southern Airways Express, only climbed about 800 feet for approximately two minutes before landing on the roadway. CNN has reached out to Southern Airways Express for their comments on the matter.
Radio traffic recordings indicate that the pilot reported no injuries. However, authorities have not released any official statements regarding the condition of those on board. A traffic camera operated by the Virginia Department of Transportation shows the plane still intact, surrounded by emergency vehicles.
As this is a developing story, anyone with more information is encouraged to email newstips@wtvr.com to provide a tip.
Providing a more detailed account of the incident, this expanded news article offers a comprehensive overview of the emergency landing of a small commuter plane in Virginia. It includes information from various sources and emphasizes the ongoing investigation into the incident.
