A plane, originally flying out of Myrtle Beach, crashed and shut down a portion of I-26 in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
As reported by FlightAware, the plane was operated by LIFT Academy and departed Myrtle Beach International Airport at 1:51 p.m. before landing in Knoxville, Tennessee. It later took off from Knoxville and made an emergency landing on I-26 in Asheville. The Asheville plane crash made national news last night.
🚨#BREAKING: Emergency crews are mobilizing to address a small plane crash on I-26 highway in Asheville, North Carolina. Various agencies are actively involved in the response efforts.#Asheville #NorthCarolina pic.twitter.com/6kqxaSb8BC
— World News Global (@WorldNewsGb) December 15, 2023
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the plane crashed along I-26 at 8:15 p.m. Two people were on board the plane.
They reported that they might need assistance as they approached the airport, but officials confirmed that they were unable to land at the airport and were forced to land on I-26.
As a result of the crash, NCDOT closed I-26 west at Airport Road last night. Traffic on the road was at a stand still for hours after the Asheville plane crash occurred.
Drivers ultimately avoided the area by using the detour option set up by NCDOT.