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Pilot Makes Emergency Landing Off I-35

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May 24, 2008 8:33 pm US/Central

Pilot Makes Emergency Landing Off I-35

DENTON (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ― For decades, Doug Sockwell has flown his refurbished Commonwealth Skyranger.

On Saturday, a leisurely flight ended in an emergency landing and uncertainty of the plane's future.

The 72-year-old was not far from Northwest Regional Airport when he knew he couldn't make it.

"I was heading to the airport and I didn't feel right," the diabetic said.  

In a disoriented state, he aimed for a field off Interstate 35 in Denton County.

"I knew it was going to be a hard hit and it turned out it was."

Sockwell missed the field and in a shaky landing ended up in a strip of grass nearby.

"It was pretty lucky. I'd rather land over there than on the freeway."

Sockwell bought the 1945 model in the 70s says he's lucky to have not crashed on the interstate.

"I just hate tearing up the airplane," he said looking at the damage. "I'm retired so I don't think I will be able to fix it."

The Federal Aviation Administration will review the damage, as well while Sockwell tends to the scratch on his hand.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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