[ad_1]
Video captures small plane landing on I-35W in Arden Hills
“I only saw something for a fraction of a second before it hit me,” Yurik said. “They hit the ground and then immediately hit me and we kind of slid down the freeway together. And then it was so incredibly loud, the crackle of metal. That’s what goes through my head, it’s the noise and I think there’s it’s impossible for us all to agree after that kind of impact. “
She said the next thing she remembered was looking at the plane outside.
“A man and a woman were on the plane and when I finally looked up they hugged each other, obviously grateful that I was able to land,” Yurik said.
State Patrol identified the pilot as Craig Gifford, 52, of Minneapolis.
According to Gifford’s personal website, he is an experienced aviator who has been a pilot for over 30 years. The website says he has also competed in the advanced aerobatic world championships.
No injuries reported after small plane landed on I-35W near I-694, hit 1 vehicle
Yurik said the pilot told him he had complete engine failure. She said he helped her get her to safety after their collision.
“Of course, it was an absolute circus. They helped me get under the plane and get to safety because the plane was smoking,” Yurik recalls. “They were both beyond cuteness and so apologetic. He told me several times that he tried to avoid exactly what had happened. He was making an emergency landing and trying to ‘landing between the vehicles and of course that didn’t work. He’s just an amazing guy. Of all the people who’ve been hit by a plane I’m glad it was him. “
State patrol said no one was injured in the incident. Both the SUV and the aircraft sustained damage.
Yurik said that in the moments following the impact, she was inspired by all of the witnesses who stopped to help at the scene.
“Just all the people that was there checking in, it really makes you look around your community and be like, wow, it’s amazing that there are so many nice people in this world,” Yurik said. “And I am incredibly grateful that I was able to return home to my family.”
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating.
[ad_2]
Source link