Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing on Bangerter Highway

February 15, 2023        Mary Scott        1906

Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing on Bangerter Highway

A small plane was forced to make an emergency landing on Bangerter Highway in South Jordan, Utah, on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred at around 6:45 p.m. local time and caused significant traffic disruptions. According to eyewitnesses, the plane appeared to have landed safely and there were no reports of injuries.

The Utah Department of Transportation tweeted that southbound Bangerter Highway was closed at 10400 South due to the incident, and advised motorists to avoid the area. Northbound lanes were also affected due to onlookers, and drivers were urged to use alternate routes.

The plane, a single-engine Piper PA-32, had taken off from South Valley Regional Airport in West Jordan and was en route to Vernal, Utah, when it experienced a mechanical issue, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing on the highway. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the plane, was not injured.

The South Jordan Police Department and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the incident.

Impact on Traffic

The emergency landing caused significant traffic disruptions on Bangerter Highway, which is a major thoroughfare in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. The closure of southbound lanes caused delays and long backups, with drivers experiencing delays of up to an hour. Northbound lanes were also affected due to onlookers, and drivers were urged to use alternate routes.

The Utah Department of Transportation worked to clear the scene as quickly as possible, and all lanes of Bangerter Highway were reopened by 9 p.m. local time.