Plane Makes Unplanned Landing On Highway 1 Near Banff

A plane landed on Highway 1, just west of Banff Tuesday afternoon (Sept. 22) after experiencing a mechanical issue, temporarily closing the highway while the aircraft later took off from the road.

Banff RCMP Cpl. Matthew Howell said the plane landed without issue and remained on the highway for several hours.

“We did have a plane land west of Banff on Highway 1 due to a mechanical issue,” Howell told Bow Valley Insider. “The plane landed no problem, no injuries.”

Fortunately, the pilot was also an airplane mechanic and was able to repair the issue himself, Howell said.

After the repair, Howell said the pilot received permission to take off again, with Banff RCMP and Parks Canada blocking Highway 1 for the departure.

“RCMP and Parks Canada blocked off the highway and he took off without an issue,” Howell said.

The plane was on the highway from shortly after 2 p.m. until approximately 5:15 p.m.

Despite the aircraft being there for several hours, the highway itself was only completely closed for approximately 15 to 20 minutes while the plane took off. It has since reopened.

The circumstances surrounding the mechanical issue were not available at the time of publication.