Single-engine plane lands on side of I-80 in LaSalle County after running out of fuel: ISP

LASALLE COUNTY, Ill. (WLS) -- 091823-wls-plane-i80-post

Small plane lands on side of I-80 in LaSalle County

A small single-engine plane landed on the side of I-80 in LaSalle County Monday evening.

LASALLE COUNTY, Ill.

A small single-engine plane landed on the side of I-80 in LaSalle County Monday during the evening commute.

Illinois State Police said the Diamond DA-40 plane landed around 5:45 p.m. and came to rest in the highway's right lane and right shoulder.

"It appeared that it was lining up with the interstate. I'm thinking this person has a problem," said witness Chet Phillips. "As we got closer, you can see tread marks on the interstate where it had been leaking some fluid."

The pilot was the only person on board. No injuries were reported.

State police said the aircraft had a malfunction of its transfer pump, which caused it to run out of fuel. A mechanic was called out to I-80 with fuel and repaired the pump. The FAA then granted the plane clearance to take off at about 7:10 p.m.

The pilot flew the plane to Peru Airport where the FAA will conduct an investigation into the incident.

"I've seen some crazy things and this one has to take the cake," Phillips said.

No further details were immediately available.