VENUS, Fla. -- Government contractors began dismantling a military aircraft today that was forced to make an emergency landing on a rural road in southern Highlands County after experiencing mechanical problems Wednesday.

The plane was en route to Miami from Tampa for disassembly, packaging and shipment to Iraq, Capt. Randy Labelle of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office said late today.

The gray-colored craft carried a tail marking of YI-I38. Side markings denoted the plane as “Iraqi Air Force.” There was no visible government insignia on the vehicle.

“The plane was basically just taken out of the paint shop in Tampa and en route to Miami when it experienced mechanical problems,” Labelle said. “When it got to Miami, it was going to be disassembled and packaged to be shipped to Iraq.”

The plane is owned by Cessna Aircraft Company, but ownership will soon be transferred. The aircraft manufacturer has a military contract with the Department of Defense to provide Cessna C-172 airplanes for the Iraqi military.

“The planes are being used to train Iraqi pilots,” Labelle said.

The plane’s propeller carried a sticker marked “D-94315, Straubin, Flugplatz.”

The downed plane was discovered by staff members from the nearby Florida Environmental Institute.

Highlands County deputies responded to the scene and helped push the craft--which was slightly larger than a police squad car-off the roadway.

When news media arrived at the scene shortly after dark Tuesday, a single deputy guarded the aircraft. The deputy, who wore cameo adorned clothing with his badge hanging around his neck, would not allow pictures to be taken of the craft by order of the Department of Defense.

Sheriff’s officials confirmed the pilot of the plane was transported by local law enforcement to an undisclosed location. It has since been learned the pilot was taken to Sebring Regional Airport.

The pilot’s identity is unknown, but the sheriff’s department said the man was an American citizen.

The craft showed little visible damage with the exception of what appeared to be minor damage to the plane's fixed landing gear.

Navigational controls were printed in English.

By 8 p.m. Wednesday an additional five sheriff’s units had arrived at the scene.

The Federal Aviation Administration has responded to the crash scene and inspected the scene.

N.T. Mitchell contributed to this report.