POLK COUNTY, Fla. — An ultralight aircraft made an emergency landing on State Road 60 in Mulberry on Saturday morning after striking power lines shortly after takeoff, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. on July 4, 2026, in the westbound lanes of SR 60.
Authorities said the aircraft experienced what they described as an “extremely hard landing” after colliding with power lines moments after becoming airborne. Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene and began directing traffic around the downed aircraft.
The pilot and his passenger, identified as a local father and his adult son who was visiting from New York, were transported by Polk County Fire Rescue to a nearby hospital. Officials said both are expected to be okay.
The crash temporarily affected traffic on SR 60. Eastbound lanes remained open, while westbound traffic was diverted into the eastbound lanes under the direction of sheriff’s deputies.
The cause of the crash has not yet been released. It is unclear whether the incident will be investigated by federal aviation authorities.
Motorists traveling through the area should expect delays while emergency crews continue to work at the scene.
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