UPDATE: 4-13-2026, 2:15 p.m. — According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy was flying was an Aero Vodochody model L-39. The FAA says the aircraft experienced engine issues and made a forced landing in a field with its gear up near Ennis. There was "substantial" damage to the aircraft.
According to the FAA registry, the aircraft is registered in Pennsylvania and is owned by billionaire Jared Isaacman with JDI Holdings, LLC. Isaacman is the current Administrator of NASA, nominated by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate in December 2025.
The Vodochody was manufactured in the Czech Republic, with the first flight of this type of aircraft in 1968.
According to Aero Vodochody documentation, the L-39C is a trainer of the L-39 Albatros series and was used primarily as a jet trainer. Nearly 3,000 of the aircraft were built, making it one of the world's "most successful jet trainers."
According to the Federal Register, there are currently 110 registered L-39 aircraft operating in the U.S., making it the most numerous former military jet trainer imported into the country.
MTN News has reached out to Sheehy's office for comments and other updates, but has not yet received a reply.
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UPDATE: 4-10-2026, 6:45 p.m. — More details have been released about the incident involving U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy on Friday afternoon.
According to the Madison County Sheriff's Office, a report of an emergency aircraft landing was received, involving a privately operated plane carrying two people.
Preliminary information indicates that the aircraft, piloted by Sheehy, made an emergency landing in a private field near the town of Ennis in Madison County. Sheehy and another person exited the aircraft safely, and no injuries have been reported.
When first responders arrived and secured the area, they observed a minor fuel leak following the landing. The situation was contained and remediated; there is no risk to public safety.
The incident remains under review, and federal aviation authorities have been notified.
RAW FOOTAGE FROM THE SCENE NEAR THE SITE OF FRIDAY'S EMERGENCY LANDING
Previous reporting:
A plane that U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy was piloting Friday afternoon had to make an emergency landing, reportedly near Ennis.
According to Sheehy's Chief of Staff Mike Berg, the senator was engaged in a routine flight training exercise, which he completes twice a year.
The aircraft experienced a mechanical engine failure, forcing Sheehy and his co-pilot to make an emergency landing in a field.
Neither pilot was reportedly injured.
Sheehy is an FAA-certified commercial pilot and certified flight instructor.
This is a breaking story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
