Tahlequah Municipal Airport Staff Assists in On-Site Repair

A Carbon Cub was forced to execute an emergency landing after experiencing a sudden loss of oil pressure. The pilot put it down on the eastbound lane of Highway 51 southwest of Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

The pilot and others on the ground were not injured and the aircraft was later able to take back off the highway.

The aircraft involved is a CubCrafters CCK-1865 Carbon Cub EX manufactured in 2012. During the incident, it was being flown by the owner, Braden Young. Young is a flight instructor for Native Ground Aviation based out of the Tahlequah Municipal Airport (KTQH). He is the registered agent of this flight school, which opened in February 2024.

“I was out flying and started losing oil pressure,” Young explained. “I turned back to the airport but continued to lose pressure until I had none.”

The Tahlequah Fire Department and other agencies, including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, responded to the scene. The County Sheriff was among the first to arrive, having been in oncoming traffic when Young landed. Officers then temporarily shut down traffic on the bypass.

Since the aircraft only incurred minor damages, airport staff decided to provide their assistance. The crew successfully repaired the aircraft and got it in the air shortly after. It then returned and landed back at Tahlequah Municipal.

“I’m glad I’m safe, nobody was hurt, and the airplane is safe,” Young said.

FMI: www.cityoftahlequah.com/149/Airport