Shocking 911 Audio: Small Plane Crash-Lands On I-95, Strikes Toyota Camry in Merritt Island

A small Beechcraft 55 made an emergency landing on Interstate 95 in Merritt Island around 5:45 p.m. Monday after the pilot reported engine trouble, officials said. Dramatic 911 recordings released by authorities capture stunned witnesses describing the scene as the aircraft struck a car during the descent.

The twin-seat Beechcraft reportedly touched down on top of a 2023 Toyota Camry before sliding off the vehicle and coming to rest on the roadway. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the aircraft had been attempting an emergency landing after reporting engine issues.

A Beechcraft 55 after crashing into a car on a Florida freeway.

Officials released several 911 calls in which witnesses described the frightening moments. In one call, a caller said she saw the plane descend onto the highway and noted that the people on board were moving. In another, a motorist described hitting the brakes as the aircraft came down beside her and struck a small white car.

'[On] I-95, a plane just came down,' one caller said. When the dispatcher clarified, 'And you're saying a plane, correct? Out of the sky?' the caller replied, 'A plane hit a car as it landed on I-95.'

The pilot, a 27-year-old man from Orlando, and a 27-year-old passenger from Temple Terrace were reported uninjured. The driver of the Camry, a 57-year-old woman, sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

A Beechcraft wheel on the side of a Florida highway.

Another witness who phoned 911 said the aircraft had its landing gear down and appeared to be under control as it descended. Local law enforcement and the FAA are investigating the incident to determine the cause of the engine trouble and the circumstances of the emergency landing.

No further injuries were reported, and investigators continue to review the crash site and available audio and witness accounts.