Emergency Aircraft Landing in Rural Richardson County
On the evening of July 5, 2026, the Richardson County Sheriff's Office responded to the report of an aircraft that had made an emergency landing near the intersection of 652 Avenue and 714 Road in rural Richardson County.
Deputies responded to the scene along with Falls City Rural Fire and Falls City EMS. Upon arrival, emergency responders located a single-engine Cessna aircraft that had successfully completed an emergency landing following an apparent engine failure.
Two occupants were aboard the aircraft at the time of the emergency landing. Neither occupant was injured, and no medical treatment or transport was required.
To allow the roadway to be reopened, the aircraft was moved off the county road and onto private property near the landing site. The aircraft remains secured at that location pending recovery and investigation by the appropriate federal aviation authorities.
The Richardson County Sheriff's Office notified the appropriate federal agencies. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), will conduct the investigation into the cause of the emergency landing.
County road closures associated with the incident were removed later that evening, and normal traffic resumed.
The Richardson County Sheriff's Office thanks Falls City Rural Fire, Falls City EMS, and all assisting personnel for their prompt response and professionalism.
Rick Hardesty, Sheriff
