“This is the first time I’ve ever heard of one of these (aircraft) being landed by someone who has no aeronautical knowledge,” said aviation expert John Nance.
When the passenger called authorities to say the pilot “had gone incoherent,” the plane was about 112 kilometres north of the airport.
After the captain fell unconscious mid-flight, a US citizen going to see his pregnant wife safely landed the plane.
A communication was sent to air traffic control shortly after: “I’m in a dangerous scenario. My pilot has become incoherent. I’m not sure how to fly an aeroplane.”
When queried about their whereabouts, the passenger said he had no idea. “In front of me, I can see the Florida coast. And I’m clueless.”
While they searched for the plane, he was advised to maintain the wings level and follow the coast.
According to The Mirror, the utility plane was roughly 112 kilometres north of the airport when the passenger called controllers to report that the pilot “had gone incoherent.”
The man was then assisted by air traffic authorities in guiding the 14-seater plane to Palm Beach International Airport in Florida.
“You just witnessed a couple passengers land that jet,” a controller is claimed to have said after the successful landing.
“Oh my goodness. According to a report in The Mirror, the other person remarked, “Great work.”
The dispatcher’s praise, according to aviation expert John Nance of WPBF-TV, was a massive understatement. “I’ve never heard of one of them (Cessna Caravans) being landed by someone with no aeronautical experience,” he remarked.
“The passenger on the plane with no prior aviation experience listened intently and clearly followed directions with excellent calm. That was the deciding factor “Nance continued.
Meanwhile, an investigation into what happened to the pilot is ongoing.
Hey! My name is Sarah and I am 14 years old. My pronouns are she/her. I study in class 9th. I am a podcaster, blogger, writer, and producer. I founded a media company called TriPod Media in 2020, which currently produces two podcasts, Word Affinity, which is a podcast hosted and produced by me, and Storytime With Kabeer, which is a podcast hosted by me and narrated by my brother. I am a MUNer and have won many accolades in various committees. I am also a writer and blogger, having published my work on many platforms. I like reading classic and dystopian novels, listening to podcasts about science, and perusing books about investing and managing money. I have a website where I write about my favourite authors, books, issues that need to be talked about and other things. I strive to help other young aspiring authors to achieve their dreams and write! You can go to my website and message me to talk about collaborating with me, about a writing job or working with TriPod Media!
