NEW YORK, Oct 06 2015 – Medical emergencies are rare, but hardly unprecedented in commercial flights.
It’s far less common when they involve the plane’s pilot – and that pilot dies.
That’s what happened Monday on an American Airlines flight between Phoenix and Boston.
Captain Michael Johnston, 57, was piloting the plane when he fell ill somewhere en route. The co-pilot landed the jet safely.
Crew members “took extraordinary care of Mike, each other and our customers,” airline CEO Doug Parker said in a statement sent to employees.
“We couldn’t be more proud of the teamwork this crew showed during an extremely difficult time.”
An autopsy and preliminary toxicology tests “showed that the death was the result of natural diseases,” the Onondaga County, New York, medical examiner’s office said – without offering specifics.
The Airbus A320 plane was being operated by U.S. Airways, which is now part of American.
The pilot fell ill somewhere en route, and the flight was diverted to Syracuse in upstate New York.
Those on board knew something was wrong when a woman’s “quivering” voice came over the intercom, alerting them the pilot was sick, passenger Peter McSwiggin said.
Passengers expressed sadness about what happened and gratitude they arrived safely.
