Pilot Makes Emergency Landing Near Spring Creek After Engine Failure

September 25, 2026

September 25, 2026 — A pilot made an emergency landing in a field near Spring Creek, Nevada, on Thursday morning after the small aircraft he was operating experienced engine failure. The incident, which occurred on September 24, resulted in only minor injuries to the pilot, John Rice, who was the sole occupant of the plane.

Incident Details

Deputies responded to the vicinity of State Routes 228 and 227 at approximately 9:58 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, following reports from a witness who observed a small single-engine plane crash several hundred yards from the highways. Authorities located the aircraft in a field near the intersection.

Pilot John Rice informed deputies that he had been conducting test flights around the Elko Regional Airport for several days. During a flight that extended into the Spring Creek area, the aircraft's engine lost power, causing the plane to descend.

Decision to Land in Field

Faced with a rapidly descending aircraft, Rice initially considered an emergency landing on State Route 228. However, he determined that the presence of multiple vehicles on the highway posed too significant a risk for a safe touchdown. Consequently, Rice redirected the plane towards a large, open field nearby.

Upon touching down, the aircraft traversed approximately 50 feet before encountering a small ditch. The impact caused the front wheel and nose of the plane to embed in the ground, bringing the aircraft to a halt. Authorities commended Rice for his decision to land in the field, which averted a potentially more severe collision with ground traffic.

Investigation Underway

Rice sustained minor injuries in the incident, and no other injuries were reported. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been notified and is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the engine failure and emergency landing.