TAKEOFF: Plane lifts off I-10 after pilot ran out of

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – In a strange sight, a small plane took flight off Interstate 10 just before 6:30 p.m. Friday evening in Suwannee County.

After running out of fuel, a 53-year-old pilot from Lee County landed the plane without injury on Interstate 10 near mile marker 272, according to Florida Highway Patrol and the sheriff’s office. FHP was notified of the landing at about 4 p.m.

While on the way to Cross City, one of the pilot’s two fuel tanks ran out, according to the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office. The plane wouldn’t transfer to the other tank, so he ran out of fuel and was forced to land, the sheriff’s office said.

As the pilot attempted to land, a motorist traveling eastbound on the interstate realized the pilot was trying to land and stepped in to help, according to FHP. The driver slowed traffic by putting on his hazard lights, clearing a spot for the pilot to land on the highway. Drivers then helped push the plane off the road into the grassy median, FHP said.

Officials responded to the scene just before 4:30 p.m. An officer for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services took the pilot to go get fuel, according to SCSO. They returned and refilled the plane’s tank.

Officials shut down I-10 in both directions at about 6:10 p.m. in preparation for takeoff, SCSO said. About 10 minutes later the plane took off, soaring over the highway and famous treelines of the Big Bend.

The pilot will not face fines from FHP, according to the sheriff’s office.

Traffic was slowed in the area near the plane all evening.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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