Passenger Safely Lands Plane During Pilot's Medical Emergency
ICARO Media Group
### Passenger Lands Plane After Pilot Suffers Medical Emergency
A passenger charted an incredible course to safety on Friday by successfully landing a small plane following a medical emergency incapacitating the pilot, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The dramatic event unfolded aboard a twin-engine Beechcraft King Air 90 that had departed from Henderson Executive Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, bound for Monterey Regional Airport in California. Onboard were just the pilot and one other individual. Mid-flight, the pilot was suddenly struck by a medical emergency, forcing the sole passenger to take over control of the aircraft.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, the passenger managed to safely navigate the plane to Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield, California. The Kern Fire Department, who were alerted to the medical emergency, reported that firefighters were on standby as the plane approached for landing. After touching down safely, emergency vehicles pursued the aircraft down the runway to provide immediate assistance.
The FAA confirmed that the identities of the passenger and pilot have not been released and provided no update on the pilot's current condition. It was disclosed that the pilot was transported to a local hospital via ambulance, while the passenger fortunately remained uninjured.
The FAA and the National Transportation Security Board have announced they will be conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.