Overview
- The single‑engine 2010 Hawker Beechcraft Bonanza (BE‑36/G36), registered to Airmart Inc., came down on Browns Bridge Road at Pearl Nix Parkway around 12:10 p.m. after losing power departing Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport.
- Pilot Thomas Rogers, flying with a student pilot, attempted to return to the airport but lacked sufficient power and opted for a forced landing on the roadway.
- The aircraft struck three vehicles during touchdown, and police said the right‑wing impact dislodged a fuel tank that entered the rear of an SUV.
- Two people were taken to a hospital with minor injuries, and officials described the outcome as remarkable given heavy traffic and the lack of downed power lines.
- The FAA and NTSB opened an investigation, the intersection reopened after hours‑long closures, and LiveATC audio captured the pilot saying, "We're not going to make it."