Small plane makes emergency landing on Major Deegan Expressway

NEW YORK  — A small plane made an emergency landing Saturday afternoon on the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx.

The plane was on the ground on the northbound side of the expressway near the junction with the Moshulu Parkway, authorities confirmed to CBS 2. The accident happened sometime after 3 p.m.

The plane had departed from Danbury, Conn and had flown to the city for a tour of the Statue of Liberty, according to the Office of Emergency Management. The plane was returning to Danbury when the pilot executed a controlled emergency landing.

The aircraft was registered to Michael Schwartz of South Salem, N.Y., according to the FAA.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the Piper PA28 aircraft sustained minor damage.

The FDNY Emergency Medical Services division said there were three people onboard the plane. The three patients were taken from the scene to St. Barnabas Hospital with what were reported to be minor injuries.

No fire broke out, and contrary to earlier reports, no fuel was spilled, the FDNY said.

But traffic in the area was severely backed up. The northbound side of the Major Deegan was closed between 233rd Street and the Mosholu Parkway as of the 4 p.m. hour.

The Notify NYC service advised motorists to expect extensive traffic delays and increased emergency personnel on the expressway, and to consider alternate routes.

The FDNY said that the plane was forced to land due to engine complications, 1010 WINS reported.