Passenger With No Flying Experience Safely Lands Plane After Pilot Suffers Medical Emergency
After the captain had a medical issue, a passenger with no prior flying experience took over the cockpit of a small plane and safely landed it.
When the pilot of the single-engine Cessna 208 slumped over with another passenger on board, Darren Harrison realized something was wrong.
His guardian angel must have been watching over him because he bravely crossed from the passenger seat to the pilot’s seat and landed the plane safely.
Harrison proceeded calmly in his new duty as a temporary pilot, promptly contacting Fort Pierce air traffic control and informing them of the situation.
Their conversation was captured on LiveATC audio. “I’ve got a severe dilemma here,” Harrison can be heard saying. “My pilot has gone nonsensical.” “I don’t know how to fly an airplane.”
When asked about the plane’s whereabouts, Harrison replied, “I have no idea.” I see the Florida coast ahead of me and have no idea.”
Harrison was quickly helped by the controller, who advised him to “try and keep the wings level” and see if he could bring the plane down.
“Maintain wings level and just attempt to follow the shoreline, either north or southbound,” the controller instructed after Harrison indicated he was lowering the plane at “550 feet per minute.” “We’re looking for you.”
The controller contacted Air Traffic Control at Palm Beach International Airport while giving live flight directions in the air.
The plane was discovered 20 miles east of Boca Raton, Florida, after it was detected on their radar.
According to the FAA, air traffic controller Robert Morgan escorted Harrison to a safe landing at the airport around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Harrison “did a wonderful job” with “no flying experience,” according to air traffic controllers at Palm Beach International Airport. Meanwhile, the pilot’s status is unknown at this time.
James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, ask God, who liberally gives to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
Source: today.com