Airline Passenger With 'No Idea' How To Fly Successfully Lands Plane After Pilot Becomes Sick
Topics: US News
Aisha Nozari
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@wpbf_ari
Topics: US News
A passenger with ‘no idea’ how to fly an aircraft has successfully landed a plane in Florida.
The person was onboard a Cessna Caravan model when the plane’s pilot became unwell, leaving them with no choice but to try and land the aircraft themselves.
With some help from air traffic controllers on the ground, the passenger safely touched down at Palm Beach International Airport.
Take a look at how the events unfolded below:
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Reporting on the incredible feat, the New York Post said the small plane was 70 miles off the Florida coast when the incident unfolded.
The outlet explained the passenger was heard telling air traffic control: “I’ve got a serious situation here. My pilot has gone incoherent. I have no idea how to fly the airplane.”
A dispatcher responded: “Roger. What’s your position?” to which the passenger replied: “I have no idea. I can see the coast of Florida in front of me. And I have no idea.”
Offering guidance, the dispatcher then said: “Maintain wings level and just try to follow the coast, either north or southbound. We’re trying to locate you.”
The plane - which according to manufacturer Cessna reaches speeds of 215 mph, seats up to 14 and boasts a 52 foot wingspan - was able to descend safely and located around 25 miles north of Palm Beach.
Air traffic control then helped the passenger land the aircraft before declaring over the radio: “You just witnessed a couple passengers land that plane.
The New York Post notes that the Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident and believes the plane’s pilot suffered a medical emergency.
Speaking to WPBF-TV, aviation expert John Nance said: “This is the first time I’ve ever heard of one of these [Cessna Caravans] being landed by somebody that has no aeronautical experience.
“The person on the airplane who had no aeronautical experience listened very carefully and obviously followed instructions with great calm. That’s what made the difference.”
WPBF-TV reporter Ari Hait shared a video of the incredible moment on Twitter, writing: “This is brand new video (courtesy of Jeff Chandler) of a passenger landing a plane today at PBIA.
“His pilot had passed out, and the passenger with zero flight experience was forced to land the plane.”
The passenger’s name has not yet been released, nor has the pilot’s.
UNILAD has approached the Federal Aviation Administration for comment.
MailOnline reported on Wednesday (11 May) that the passenger was heading home from the Bahamas on Tuesday to see his pregnant wife.
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