In an update provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a single-engine Lancair 360 aircraft, bearing the registration number N360XS, executed an emergency landing on a highway near Raleigh Executive Jetport. The incident occurred at approximately 4:20 p.m. on Thursday due to reported engine problems.

Incident Details and Location

The emergency landing took place near Moncure, North Carolina, close to the Chatham County line. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) confirmed the incident, stating that the plane touched down on U.S. 1 northbound around 3:30 p.m., near Exit 81 towards Pea Ridge Road and Moncure. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the landing.

Flight Route and Circumstances

According to flight plans, the aircraft was en route to Ocean Isle Beach, departing from Lynchburg, Virginia, at approximately 3 p.m. However, the exact cause of the emergency landing, including whether the plane encountered any obstacles during descent, remains unclear.

Ongoing Investigation and Traffic Impact

The FAA is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the emergency landing. Meanwhile, the NCSHP mentioned that the aircraft remained on the highway overnight and was expected to be cleared by Friday morning. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) reported the closure of the shoulder where the plane landed, with plans to reopen it by 9 a.m. on Friday, thus mitigating traffic disruptions in the area.

Conclusion: Ensuring Safety and Clearing the Highway

Efforts are underway to ensure the safe removal of the aircraft and restore normal traffic flow on the affected highway stretch. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, prioritizing public safety while investigating the incident’s causes and mitigating any potential risks associated with similar occurrences in the future.

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