Photo by Pat Sunderland
Crash landing
A Grand Junction pilot walked away from an emergency landing in North Delta shortly before noon last Thursday. The Delta Police Department reports the pilot developed engine problems en route from Montrose to Grand Junction and was attempting to divert to Blake Field when his 2006 Cessna lost power. He then tried to land on Highway 50. As he approached the highway, he clipped power lines near the Western Convenience store, then lost his landing gear when he touched down. The pilot, who has not been identified by the DPD, was able to maintain control and steer the plane onto the shoulder of the highway. The plane veered into a ditch, hit a fence and spun around before coming to rest facing south. No vehicles were involved in the crash landing, according to DPD spokesman Jamie Head. Highway traffic was confined to one lane in both directions to give emergency responders room to work. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.
