Officials say a small plane landed on the Major Deegan Expressway on Saturday afternoon, but everyone on board made it out safely and no injuries have been reported.
The unplanned landing occurred in the northbound lane of the Deegan near exit 13 at approximately 3:20 p.m.
According to authorities, a male pilot and two women were on board the plane, a Piper Cub. The plane sustained some damage.
All three passengers were treated for non-life threatening injuries and transported to St. Barnabas Hospital.
According to the Office of Emergency Management, a Piper Cherokee Aircraft departed Danbury, Connecticut on a tour around the Statue of Liberty. On the return flight back to Danbury, the aircraft experienced an on board emergency, resulting in a controlled landing onto the expressway.
The Piper fixed-wing single engine plane is registered to Michael Schwartz of South Salem in Westchester, according to the FAA website.
Investigators are looking at what caused the landing, possibly a mechanical failure or fuel shortage.
The National Transportation Safety Board said the pilot reported engine trouble prior to landing on the highway.
About 42 gallons of gas was being removed from the plane by emergency responders so it could be removed from the expressway.
Officials said to expect extensive traffic delays and an increased presence of emergency personnel in the area and drivers should consider alternate routes.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said he thought it was a bit of a miracle that no one was seriously hurt.
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via Great Local News: New York http://newyork.greatlocalnews.info
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