Watch: Plane Takes Off from Utah Highway in Surprising Twist

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Watch: Plane Takes Off from Utah Highway in Surprising Twist

A small plane that made an emergency landing on a Utah highway last month has now successfully taken off from the same road. This unusual event occurred near St. George and attracted attention following the plane’s weeks-long stay by the roadside.

Emergency Landing Details

In October, the aircraft was forced to land on a busy highway adjacent to Southern Parkway. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported during this incident. Instead of transporting the plane for repairs, the owner opted for a more creative solution.

Repairs Made Off the Road

The owner enlisted the help of Red Mountain Aero, a local repair shop, to fix the aircraft while it remained alongside the highway. The mechanics found a way to make the necessary repairs without moving the plane.

Preparing for Takeoff

With the repairs completed, there was one final challenge: getting the plane airborne without a traditional runway. To achieve this, the owner coordinated with the Utah Highway Patrol and the Utah Department of Transportation.

Planning the Takeoff

The plan involved temporarily slowing traffic to create a safe window for takeoff. The plane would taxi onto the Southern Parkway at 3000 South and utilize the road as a makeshift runway.

Successful Return to Flight

On Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m., the operation went ahead as scheduled. The plane successfully took off and completed its short journey home to St. George, taking just 13 minutes.

No Tickets Issued

Remarkably, despite the unusual circumstances, not a single speeding ticket was issued during the operation.

Conclusion

This unexpected takeoff from a Utah highway showcases the innovative spirit of aviation enthusiasts and local authorities working together to solve unique challenges.