Sunday evening commuters on Legacy Parkway got a scare that most drivers only see in action movies, when a small plane made an emergency landing on the southbound side near the 500 South interchange in Davis County. The aircraft briefly blocked the right-hand lane and tied up traffic, but all four people on board escaped without serious injuries as fire crews and highway patrol rushed in to secure the scene and guide drivers past the exit.
Officials on the Scene
According to KUTV, the Utah Highway Patrol said four people were aboard the plane, and there were no reported injuries. The right lane near the 500 South exit was shut down while crews worked, with officials expecting the route to be cleared by about 8:45 p.m. Troopers and Davis County dispatch coordinated traffic control as responders checked the aircraft for any hazards.
What Troopers Said
"The pilot successfully made an emergency landing," Utah Highway Patrol Cpl. Jared Heywood told KUTV. Heywood said the airplane took off from Skypark Airport and soon ran into engine trouble, which led the pilot to bring the plane down on Legacy Parkway.
How the Landing Unfolded
FOX 13 reported that Davis County dispatch received a call about an emergency landing near Legacy Highway and 500 South. The station noted that after hearing a loud noise, the pilot turned back toward Skypark but ended up setting the plane down on the frontage road in the same area. That account also reported no immediate injuries.
Why Officials Caution Drivers
Emergency landings on busy roadways may look controlled from a distance, but they can quickly become dangerous for everyone nearby. The Utah Department of Public Safety documented a separate emergency plane landing in December 2024 on I-15 near Payson that turned deadly when a vehicle plowed into stopped traffic. Troopers continue to remind drivers to slow down, follow directions from responders, and give crews plenty of room while they work to move aircraft and clear debris. Utah DPS provided the December account.
