Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing on Lehigh County Highway

A small aircraft carrying two people made an emergency landing on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 78 in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, on the morning of April 4, 2026.

The aircraft, identified as a 1995 Commander 114B, touched down near Mile Marker 45.6 in Weisenberg Township. According to reports from NBC10 Philadelphia, the plane descended directly above vehicles before the wheels made contact with the highway surface.

Officials confirmed that neither of the occupants was injured in the incident. The aircraft was operated by a 65-year-old male pilot from Michigan and carried a 34-year-old female passenger from New Jersey.

Flight Details and Cause

The pilot had departed from New Jersey with the intention of flying to Indiana. However, the flight was interrupted when the aircraft experienced engine problems.

Officials stated that the pilot attempted to reach a nearby airport but was unable to do so, necessitating the emergency landing on the busy highway.

Traffic Impact and Recovery

The emergency landing resulted in significant traffic congestion. First responders shut down the eastbound lanes of I-78 to investigate the scene and ensure public safety.

Traffic was detoured from I-78 Eastbound to Exit 40 at Krumsville Road in Greenwich Township, Berks County. The highway was later reopened following the removal of the aircraft.

Following the investigation, the plane was towed from the highway to a local airport.