An East Rand man flying his family to watch the match between Germany and England in Bloemfontein on Sunday had to make an emergency landing on the N1 after his aircraft developed a technical problem.
ER24 spokesman Werner Vermaak said motorists on the N1 between Winburg and Bloemfontein slowed down when they saw the plane approaching and some pulled over.
Paramedics found the aircraft parked slightly off the highway and facing traffic.
"No one was injured - they were just in shock," Vermaak said.
A man who alighted from the plane told paramedics that the aircraft had developed a problem and the pilot, Paul Smith, had to make an emergency landing.
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spokesman Kabelo Ledwaba said Smith had suspected there was engine failure and decided to make an emergency landing.
"He looked for the closest place to land, which was the highway, and fortunately the road was not busy.
"He landed safely. An investigator has gone to the scene and he and the pilot were able to move the aircraft off the road."
Meanwhile, a Ladysmith pilot and his family escaped serious injury when they made an emergency landing in their Cessna near Ladysmith, on the road to Bergville, on Saturday.
Police Captain Thulani Zwane said the plane had developed engine problems.
Ledwaba said the CAA was unaware of the Ladysmith incident.
The pilot would not speak to The Mercury on Sunday.
