KCBS Traffic Plane Makes Emergency Landing After Running Out of Fuel
Source: kcbs
Publication date: 2004-05-24
(KCBS) - A KCBS traffic plane made an emergency landing this morning on westbound Interstate 580 in Castro Valley after running out of fuel.
Traffic reporter Carl Thomas in KCBS Sky Three said the Cessna 172 he was flying in ran out of fuel at about 8:30am.
"At this time of the morning, we're usually getting a little closer to Hayward for our 8:30 landing, and up over the Dublin Grade, the plane just started spitting and sputtering, indicating fuel loss," Thomas said. "The pilot, John, started scouting the area for a field to land in. Unfortunately, the only thing available was a couple school grounds, but that had kids playing on it."
"Our only other option at that point once the propeller stopped was to land on the freeway," said Thomas. "One of the more busy freeways this time of the morning is westbound I-580 at the 238 split. Miraculously, we were able to find space between some cars."
He told KCBS it was scary, but he and his pilot had to deal with it. "I figured you've got to make the best of it. Either this is it or it isn't."
No one was injured in the incident.
KCBS Reporter Bob Melrose on the scene says a tow truck was to take the plane back to the Hayward Airport where it is based.
Rob Castro was driving on the interstate when the plane was trying to land, and he created a traffic break, to give the plane room.
"I created a break for them," he said. "I was more worried about them catching a wing on a car or truck and spinning the plane around," but that did not happen."
The FAA is investigating the incident.
Topic: Traffic reporters plane runs out of fuel, lands on freeway. creates traffic jam (Read 1720 times)