Small plane lands on railroad tracks

RIDGEVILLE, S.C., June 20 (UPI) -- Emergency responders said a small plane made an emergency nighttime landing on railroad tracks in the town of Ridgeville, S.C.

Ridgeville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Herbert Cummings said the Piper Super Cub, which had been pulling advertising banners and was en route to Walterboro, S.C., landed on the tracks Saturday night, avoiding the surrounding buildings and power lines, The Post and Courier, Charleston, S.C., reported Monday.

"They've got reason to celebrate," Cummings said. "It's a wonder that thing didn't nose right out."

The plane's owner, Gould Barrett of Atlanta, praised the pilot's skills and said he does not know why the plane went down.

"We're not sure what happened," Barrett said. "It could have been an engine problem."

The Federal Aviation Administration said it will investigate the incident.