An ultralight aircraft made an emergency landing directly on State Road 60 in Mulberry (Polk County) after striking power lines shortly after takeoff.
The incident occurred in the westbound lanes near the intersection of Coronet Road.
Key Details of the Incident:
- The Crash: The aircraft hit power lines moments after becoming airborne, causing what the Polk County Sheriff’s Office described as an “extremely hard landing” on the highway. The collision brought live power lines down across the roadway.
- The Occupants: The plane was carrying a local father and his adult son, who was visiting from New York. Firefighters worked to extricate them from the wreckage while managing a minor fuel leak.
- Injuries: Both men were transported by Polk County Fire Rescue to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, officials report that both are expected to be okay. No injuries were reported on the ground.
- Traffic Impact: The westbound lanes of SR 60 remain heavily affected. Sheriff’s deputies are on-site directing traffic, diverting westbound motorists into the eastbound lanes while utility and emergency crews secure the downed infrastructure. Drivers are advised to expect significant delays or seek alternative routes.
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