BENT, N.M. — A single-engine aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on Saturday afternoon, August 2, along U.S. Highway 70, roughly 20 miles west of Ruidoso in Otero County, according to local emergency officials.
Matt Clark, Otero County’s director of emergency services, confirmed that the small Beechcraft plane encountered mechanical difficulties while in the air shortly after departing from Ruidoso. The pilot managed to safely bring the aircraft down along a stretch of U.S. 70 near the small community of Bent.
Remarkably, no injuries were reported, and the aircraft sustained no visible damage during the landing, Clark said.
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The plane came to a stop off the shoulder of the highway, and while traffic on U.S. 70 remains mostly unaffected, one lane is temporarily blocked. Drivers are advised to slow down and follow traffic guidance in the area.
Emergency personnel are on the scene, and the public is being asked to avoid the area to ensure responders can work without interference.
Officials have not released details about how many people were onboard or what specific technical issue led to the emergency. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may investigate the incident.
