News

Crash landing of small plane closes I-26

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 15, 2023

Both directions of I-26 between Airport Road and Long Shoals Road will likely remain closed until about 11 a.m. on Friday after a small plane crash-landed on the highway, the NCDOT said.

The closure is necessary for Duke Power to restore three lines that cross both directions of I-26 traffic. A small plane crashed on I-26 West about 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, which closed both lanes heading to downtown and damaged the power lines.

The pilot of the plane reported problems and said it needed assistance before the forced landing on the interstate between Long Shoals and Airport roads, according to WLOS-TV, which also reported that several people were taken to the hospital. A Buncombe County EMS supervisor told the Asheville Citizen Times that the injuries were non-life threatening.

The Incident Corridor Management plan has been implemented, the DOT said. It provides longer green lights along the following detour routes:
• I-26 West Traffic: Exit I-26 at Airport Road (Exit 40) to Hendersonville Road (U.S. 25 North ) to Long Shoals Road (N.C. 143) back to I-26.
• I-26 East Traffic: Exit I-26 at Long Shoals Road (Exit 37) to Hendersonville Road (U.S. 25 South) to Airport Road (N.C. 280).