Photo for Headline Surfer / A small aircraft safely landed on International Speedway Boulevard after failing to land at the DeLand Municipal Airport on Saturday, March 8, 2025, in DeLand, Florida, according to the authorities. There were no injuries.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
DELAND, Fla. -- A small plane reportedly experienced engine failure on approach to DeLand Airport and was unable to make it to the runway. So the pilot did the next best thing: He landed along International Speedway Boulevard just east of Kepler Road, Volusia County Sheriff's deputies said in an online post.
Two people on board - a student pilot and the pilot trainer - were not injured in the mid-morning mishap, and the aircraft was not damaged as it pulled into the grass median.
Two people on board - a student pilot and the pilot trainer - were not injured in the mid-morning mishap, and the aircraft was not damaged as it pulled into the grass median.
The plane's operator, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, provided the following statement to Central Florida media outlets: "Embry-Riddle is aware of the incident in the DeLand this morning. All occupants are accounted for and safe. The university is cooperating with all agencies and authorities on this matter."
The happy ending drew applause in the Facebook post.
Elizabeth Lee May said she saw the plane and "knew it was low," adding, "Proud to be an ERAU grad! Best of the best in everything aviation!! Good job, crew!"
I absolutely love the outcome considering the many other ways this could’ve (gone) wrong," said Barbie Baughman, a Daytona Beach Shores resident. "So glad the pilot had the courage and skill to execute such a successful landing!"
Ken Ali, president at Daytona Aviation, perhaps best summed up the online sentiment when he said, "Great job landing safely on US 92. I'm glad no one was injured. Any landing you can walk away from is a good landing."
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