Pilot Emily Shelton Honored With Sheriff’s Medal After I-10 Emergency Landing

August 7, 2026

Flight instructor Emily Shelton was awarded the Sheriff’s Medal on Thursday, following her successful emergency landing on I-10 near 9th Avenue earlier in the week.

Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons presented the award to the 21-year-old pilot for her exceptional airmanship and composure under pressure. On Monday, Shelton was conducting a flight lesson when an emergency forced her to land the Piper aircraft directly onto the interstate lanes, swooping under a highway sign and avoiding traffic.

“Thanks to her quick thinking, training, and professionalism, she safely landed the aircraft and prevented what could have been a much more serious incident,” the ECSO said in a statement. “Join us in congratulating, Emily, on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your outstanding airmanship and composure in a challenging situation.”

According to flight tracking data (pictured bottom, click to enlarge), the plane departed the airport in Pensacola before flying north into the North Escambia area and looping around Barrineau Park.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FRONT TOP