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Small plane makes emergency landing near Dyess Air Force Base


Photos by Joe Fry/KTXS News: The pilot of a single-engine aircraft made an emergency landing off FM 707 near Dyess AIr Force Base.
Photos by Joe Fry/KTXS News: The pilot of a single-engine aircraft made an emergency landing off FM 707 near Dyess AIr Force Base.
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ABILENE, Texas -- A small plane made an emergency landing Monday morning near Dyess Air Force Base.

Shortly after taking off from Abilene Regional Airport, the pilot reported smoke in the cockpit. He then lost contact with the tower.

The Department of Public Safety says the pilot -- experiencing engine trouble -- tried to make it to Dyess, but was unable. So he made an emergency landing on Drummond Road (CR 311), about a quarter mile off FM 707. The location is near Hwy 277.

When emergency crews arrived on scene, the pilot – who was the only person onboard – was out of the single-engine aircraft and walking around.

He was not injured and declined to talk to KTXS.

The plane -- a 1978 Beech A36 -- is owned by Gerald L. Johnson, an Abilene attorney.

According to Flight Aware, the pilot took off at 8:34 a.m. headed for Ruidoso, New Mexico. The plane was an an altitude of 6,500 feet -- with a flying speed of 151 mph -- when the pilot turned back around.

Thee FAA will be investigating.


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