BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Westbound lanes of Interstate 26 remained closed in Buncombe County Friday morning after a small plane crashed between Long Shoals and Airport roads Thursday night.
PLANE MAKES FORCED LANDING, CATCHES FIRE ON N.C. INTERSTATE, OFFICIALS SAY
North Carolina Department of Transportation crews said the road is estimated to reopen around 8:30 a.m. Friday. Traffic began moving in the eastbound lanes just after 9 a.m. while the westbound lanes appeared to remain shut down.
Drivers should take the following detours:
- I-26 West: Motorists must take Exit 40 (Airport Rd). Turn right onto Airport Rd and follow to US 25 North. Follow US 25 North to I-40 West. Continue on I-40 West to Exit 47 (NC 191). Follow NC 191 North to re-access I-26 West.
- I-26 East: Motorists must take Exit 37 (NC 146). Follow NC 146 East to US 25 South. Continue on US 25 South to re-access I-26 East.
The closure impacted the morning commute on roadways surrounding the closure, with NCDOT sharing a snapshot showing slowed traffic on Hendersonville, Brevard, and Long Shoals roads.
A spokesperson for the FAA says a single-engine Diamond DA-40 crashed near Asheville Regional Airport at around 8:15 p.m. on Dec. 14 with two people on board. Authorities said they escaped with non-life-threatening injuries.
2 ESCAPE FIERY PLANE CRASH ON INTERSTATE 26 WITH MINOR INJURIES
According to air traffic control audio from LiveATC.Net, the plane’s occupants first reported problems with oil pressure and engine failures.
“We’re losing all engine power,” one of the plane’s occupants said. “Looks like, honestly, with our best glide, we’re probably not going to make it.”
The plane’s occupants could be heard telling the tower they would probably have to put down on the freeway.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the plane hit power lines that cross I-26, and one wing hit a tractor-trailer as it landed on the interstate.
“Plane is on the ground and the two passengers made it out before it caught on fire,” the tower said.
Viewer video showed the fiery aftermath of the crash, which shut down the interstate and snarled traffic for hours.
The NCDOT shared an image of utility crews working to repair power lines damaged in the crash.
The FAA said it and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) would investigate the crash.
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