An emergency plane landing in Park City, Utah, on a quiet Saturday night could have ended in disaster—but thanks to calm piloting and a good Samaritan, both occupants walked away unharmed. The small red and white Cessna 172 was flying back from Idaho Park en route to Provo when it experienced a sudden loss of oil pressure, forcing the pilot to take quick action.
The pilot, Jackson Walker, was relatively new to flying and had just acquired the aircraft with his passenger. What started as a joy ride quickly turned serious when the plane’s oil pressure dropped to nearly zero, eventually causing the engine to seize. Despite the high-stress situation, Jackson followed standard emergency procedures and attempted multiple engine restarts—all without success.
With altitude dropping and options running out, Jackson decided to land the aircraft on Interstate 80 near Jeremy Ranch. He maneuvered the plane over the highway and used flashing landing lights to signal his intentions to drivers below. Fortunately, one motorist recognized the distress signal—likely due to having aviation experience—and slowed down traffic to help clear a path.
The plane touched down smoothly and safely between moving vehicles. Other drivers quickly rushed to assist, helping push the aircraft to the side of the road. Miraculously, the Cessna was undamaged, and neither occupant sustained injuries.
A report from State Bureau of Investigations agent Colton Freckleton confirmed the plane was left on the roadside overnight for safety reasons, as it could not be moved in the dark.
This emergency plane landing serves as a rare but powerful reminder of the importance of training, preparedness, and community awareness. It also highlights how collaboration between pilots and observant citizens can help avert tragedy.
Aviation authorities are expected to inspect the aircraft and conduct further investigation into the mechanical failure. In the meantime, the story of this emergency landing stands as an example of skilled decision-making under pressure—and a bit of luck on a Utah highway.
Photo Credit: Summit County Sheriff’s Office