1 Injured After Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing on I-95 in Brevard County: What Drivers Need to Know About Their Legal Rights

A dramatic emergency landing on Interstate 95 in Brevard County injured one driver Monday evening after a small aircraft crash-landed on the highway. According to Brevard County Fire Rescue, the incident occurred just before 6 p.m. near Mile Marker 201 in Cocoa and temporarily shut down lanes in both directions.

The crash highlights not only the dangers of forced aircraft landings on public roadways, but also the complex legal questions that arise when aviation emergencies intersect with Florida motorists.

Here is what is known so far—and what legal options may exist for those involved.

Officials report the following timeline:

• A small aircraft lost power in both engines while on an instructional flight, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
• The plane departed from Merritt Island and was forced to make an emergency landing.
• The aircraft attempted to land on the southbound lanes of I-95 but collided with a Toyota Camry during descent.
• The driver of the Toyota—a 57-year-old woman—was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
• The pilot and passenger, both 27 years old, were not hurt.

Both northbound and southbound lanes were temporarily blocked but have since reopened.

The FAA confirmed that the pilot radioed engine trouble prior to the landing. The NTSB is now leading the investigation into why the plane lost power.

Emergency landings on roads are rare but do occur when:

• A plane experiences engine failure
• A loss of fuel or fuel contamination occurs
• Mechanical malfunction renders the aircraft unable to reach an airstrip
• Weather or visibility issues arise
• Student/instructional flights encounter unexpected complications

When a pilot determines an emergency landing is unavoidable, they must make split-second decisions. However, these actions can still cause harm—and liability may still exist depending on what led to the emergency.

Possible Causes Under FAA and NTSB Review

Investigators will examine:

• Whether the aircraft was properly maintained
• Whether an engine defect or component failure occurred
• Whether the flight instructor or student pilot made proper decisions
• The plane’s maintenance and inspection logs
• Fuel contamination issues
• Manufacturer-related mechanical defects
• Whether pilot error contributed to the crash

Because the NTSB categorizes this as an aircraft accident involving loss of engine power, multiple parties may come under scrutiny.

Legal Questions After an Aircraft Emergency Landing on a Highway

Victims of aircraft-related roadway crashes may have legal claims depending on the cause of the emergency. Potentially liable parties could include:

1. The Pilot or Instructor

If error, misjudgment, or improper flight operations contributed to the impact.

2. The Flight School or Aircraft Owner

If the aircraft was poorly maintained, improperly documented, or assigned to flight even with known issues.

3. Mechanics or Maintenance Contractors

If engine failure or mechanical malfunction stemmed from negligent repair or inspection.

4. Aircraft or Engine Manufacturers

If a defective part, system failure, or design flaw caused the loss of power.

5. Fuel Providers

If contaminated or improper fuel contributed to engine failure.

Aviation cases are far more complex than typical auto crashes—requiring federal regulatory analysis, maintenance records, black box data (if equipped), and expert examination of engine components.

What Should Injured Drivers Do After an Aircraft Collision?

Even in cases where injuries appear minor, victims should protect their rights:

• Seek immediate medical evaluation
• Photograph vehicle damage and the crash site (if safe)
• Avoid speaking with insurance companies before legal consultation
• Document pain levels, symptoms, and treatment
• Contact a Florida aviation accident attorney experienced in complex, multi-party claims

Aviation cases often involve aggressive insurers and federal reporting requirements. Quick action ensures vital evidence—like maintenance logs, pilot training records, fuel samples, and engine components—is preserved before it disappears.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Victims of Aviation-Related Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we take on highly complex cases—including aircraft and commercial vehicle collisions—often rejected by other firms. With a deliberately small caseload, we ensure:

• Direct attorney attention
• Full investigation into FAA, NTSB, and maintenance records
• Preservation of critical evidence before it’s lost
• Aggressive pursuit of accountability against all responsible parties

You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Aviation emergency landings are rare, but the consequences can be devastating for drivers who are suddenly caught in the path of a failing aircraft.

If you or a loved one was injured in an aircraft–vehicle collision anywhere in Florida, call us for a free, confidential consultation. We proudly represent victims throughout Brevard County, Central Florida, and statewide.

We are committed to uncovering the truth, protecting your rights, and holding negligent parties accountable.