What Happened During the Emergency Landing

A Beechcraft 55 aircraft conducting an instructional flight from Merritt Island experienced complete power loss in both engines while in flight. The pilot was forced to make an immediate emergency landing decision, identifying I-95 as the most viable option to prevent a catastrophic crash in a populated area.

The aircraft descended onto the northbound lanes of I-95 near mile marker 201, striking a Toyota Camry that was traveling in the same direction. The collision occurred at approximately 5:45 PM, causing the vehicle to be struck by the aircraft's landing gear and fuselage. Despite the violent nature of the impact, all three individuals involved in the incident survived the crash.

Injuries and Traffic Disruption

The 27-year-old pilot and his 27-year-old co-passenger both walked away from the wreckage without sustaining any injuries, a remarkable outcome given the severity of the emergency landing. The driver of the Toyota Camry, a 57-year-old woman from Melbourne, was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries classified as minor by the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash caused immediate and extensive traffic disruption on I-95, one of Florida's most critical transportation corridors. Multiple lanes were closed as emergency responders attended to the scene and began the process of clearing the damaged aircraft and vehicle from the roadway. The incident created significant backup for commuters during evening rush hour traffic.

Multi-Agency Investigation Launched

The National Transportation Safety Board has assumed lead investigative responsibility for the incident, with support from the FAA and Florida Highway Patrol. Investigators are examining the aircraft's maintenance records, flight data, and the pilot's licensing credentials to determine what caused the dual engine failure.

The NTSB has indicated that their investigation will require at least 30 days to complete. The agency is actively seeking additional dashcam and eyewitness video footage from other drivers who witnessed the emergency landing, requesting that anyone with relevant video evidence contact them directly through official channels.