Plane Emergency Lands On 55 Freeway Sunday

COSTA MESA, CA — Orange County drivers had a scare Sunday evening when a small airplane made an emergency landing on the Costa Mesa (55) Freeway in Costa Mesa, authorities said Monday.

The emergency landing happened about 7:50 p.m. after the plane experienced engine failure while they were flying over the ocean, according to the Costa Mesa Fire Department.

"The experienced pilot performed emergency landing safely on the northbound 55 freeway at Del Mar," Costa Mesa Fire Department spokesperson said over Twitter.

The single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza was inbound to John Wayne Airport when the pilot reported engine trouble," according to Ian Gregor, spokesperson for the FAA. The aircraft was most recently registered to Mario Urbina of Pacoima. Flight records show that the Beechcraft was headed from Van Nuys to Santa Ana when trouble struck.

The craft touched down safely, with no injuries to vehicles or those on board, according to officials. The pilot and passenger were able to exit the plane on their own without assistance.

Drivers headed northbound on the 55 freeway experienced a temporary closure in the number 3, 4 and 5 lanes, Caltrans said. The plane was towed off of the freeway and lanes reopened at just before 11:45 p.m.

The FAA is investigating the incident, according to Gregor.

Costa Mesa Fire Department Photo