Pilot safely lands on highway in Montrose County

A Cessna 172 carrying flight instructor Bill Swartz and his student Trace Bibber made a safe emergency landing on U.S. Highway 50 in Montrose County on Thursday, Oct. 29, after a “critical engine failure.” Swartz, 80, maneuvered the aircraft near Menoken Hill just north of Montrose, put it down on the highway, and then taxied off onto the frontage road near 6075 Road. The incident began shortly before 8:30 a.m., prompting a “mayday” report to WestCO dispatch. Deputies learned the plane landed around mile marker 87; authorities said there were power lines nearby, but Swartz avoided them. Both men were unhurt and the plane suffered minor damage.