Pilot From Westminster Belly-Lands Plane On Interstate In Idaho

SALMON, Idaho (CBS4) - A pilot from Westminster flyting cargo from Washington state to Boise, Idaho, made a belly landing on Interstate 84 near the Boise Airport Tuesday morning after the plane's engine failed.

The pilot, Jon Brinkerhoff, 30, of Westminster, landed the single-engine T210K Cessna in the eastbound lanes of the freeway as motorists dialed 911, according to the Idaho State Police.

According to KBOI, the CBS affiliate in Boise, Brinkerhoff was unable to get the landing gear to work properly, forcing him to land the plane on its belly.

Brinkerhoff wasn't injured in the crash landing.

Two lanes of I-84 had to be closed for the investigation and clean-up.

According to the Associated Press, the owner of Boise-based SP Aircraft, Andy Patrick, said Brinkerhoff forgot to use a second fuel tank, which caused the engine to quit.

"He had plenty of fuel in the aircraft," Patrick said. "He just made a mistake and forgot to switch fuel tanks. The pilot made an error and wasn't able to make the runway."

According to KBOI, a pickup driving east hauling a boat clipped the left wing of the airplane and kept driving. The driver apparently later called to report the crash.

CBS4 contacted Brinkerhoff but he wouldn't comment.