‘You just execute’: 19-year-old pilot safely makes emergency landing on busy roadway

JUPITER, Fla. (WPTV) — A 19-year-old pilot is being credited for his heroic efforts when he safely landed a small plane on a busy roadway.

The scary situation happened in Jupiter, Florida, on Friday afternoon.

Niko Bray had to make a life-saving decision — not only for himself, but for his passenger and the bystanders below.

He was flying over Jupiter when his plane lost power, forcing him to make a decision he hoped he would never have to make.

Bray, an experienced pilot at just 19 years old, said he trained for moments like this.

“It can happen so fast,” he said.

The reality set in when Bray realized he lost power.

“It hit me, like, no, this is real. Like, I actually don’t have any power to climb right now. I need to … I started looking at the ground immediately, to find a spot to land. And once you’re in that position, you just execute,” he said.

He had to act fast, spotting Indiantown Road below.

“I’ve traveled down this road hundreds of times, and turning it into an airport for the day, it was not what I was expecting to do,” Bray said.

As he lowered the plane, he saw a driver pull over to flag down traffic, telling other drivers to slow down as the plane was about to land.

“He was in a truck, and he was slowing people down … If you are watching this, sir, I just want to thank you for what you did,” Bray said.

Miraculously, no one was hurt when Bray landed the plane.

His mother, Stella Bray, said she is so thankful that no one was injured.

“So much pride [for my son], but mostly, thank God that he’s OK,” she said.

When Niko Bray saw his mother again after the scary situation, he said the seriousness of what just happened hit him.

“It’s nothing without your family, you know. Never take it for granted,” he said through tears. “Never take it for granted, you never know when the last day you get to talk to your parents or family will be. So, when you get your time with them, enjoy it.”

Despite the scary incident, Niko Bray said he plans on getting back in the air as soon as possible.