FORNEY, Texas — A pilot made an emergency landing Monday afternoon in the middle of Highway 80 in Forney near the Mesquite Metro Airport, authorities said.
With traffic at a halt, HD Chopper 8 flew over the scene around 3:15 p.m. where Forney emergency crews were seen assessing the damage.
The Piper PA-23-250 plane had taken off from the Mesquite Metro Airport earlier in the day, at 9:31 a.m., according to FlightAware. Around 2:40 p.m. the pilot had to make an emergency landing near HWY 80 just east of Pinson Road, according to the Forney Police Department
Forney officials say they believe low fuel was a factor in the emergency landing.
The female pilot walked away unscathed, the city said. She was seen visibly shaken up at the scene of the incident. She was the only person aboard the flight and there were no reported injuries from pedestrians in the area, according to Forney PD.
Traffic was down to one lane on both sides of HWY 80 and officials are encouraging drivers to avoid the area.
The cause of the emergency landing was not immediately known. The FAA and NTSB are leading the investigation.