An American Airlines flight heading from Phoenix, Arizona was diverted after the pilot unexpectedly passed away midflight. Luckily, the co-pilot was able to land the plane safely in Syracuse, New York.
Boston Globe reported American Airlines flight 550 was supposed to land in Boston, but landed at Syracuse Hancock International Airport at 7:10 am on Monday morning. Authorities pronounced the captain of the plane was deceased at the airport.
The FAA reportedly stated the flight left Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and was due to land at Logan International Airport. All that is known about what happened is the pilot was unresponsive in a recording that was posted on LiveATC.net.
Fox News reported the first officer of the flight made a call to the airport tower and told them, “American 550. Medical emergency. Captain is incapacitated.”
A crewmember was heard requesting information on immediately getting medical personnel to the plane once they landed. There were 5 crewmembers and 147 passengers on the plane. A replacement crew was put together to get passengers to their original destination.
A spokeswoman, Michelle Mohr, made a statement, “We’re incredibly saddened by this event, and we’re focused on caring for our pilot’s family and our colleagues.”
The pilot’s identity and cause of death has not been released.