Whew! 83-Year-Old Pilot Lands Safely On South Florida Expressway | Aero-News Network
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Tue, Jun 23, 2009

Whew! 83-Year-Old Pilot Lands Safely On South Florida Expressway

Mechanical Problems Forced Emergency Landing

Ralph Squeglia has been flying since 1944, so when his single-place homebuilt Hummelbird (file ph9oto, below) experienced engine problems on a Sunday morning flight, he knew he had to find a place to land quickly, and safely.

He chose the Sawgrass Expressway in South Florida, landing along the side of the road. Thought he apparently clipped a light pole on landing, Squeglia was uninjured, and he told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel he was very careful to avoid any moving cars. "It was a perfect landing," he said as he stood near the plane, waiting for Federal Aviation Administration officials to arrive.

The plane suffered substantial damage during the landing, and the incident will be investigated by the NTSB. Squeglia said the wing was damaged, causing him to veer to the side of the road after landing. A Florida State Trooper who investigated the incident said Squegila would not be charged with any traffic violations.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov

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