USA
Medical emergency in the cockpit: the passenger makes a “crash landing” with a minor outcome
The passenger brought the plane to the ground, the dramatic emergency went off lightly (symbol image)
© Arnulf Hettrich / Imago Images
When the pilot of a propeller plane suffered a “medical emergency,” a passenger had to land the plane. The woman did surprisingly well.
Only two people sat in the small machine, which was traveling from Westchester, New York, to Martha’s Vineyard Airport in West Tisbury, Massachusetts: a 68-year-old woman and the 80-year-old pilot. However, during the flight, the pilot suffered a “medical emergency,” as the Police in West Tisbury reported – and the passenger had to take the controls of the plane.
Obviously, the woman had no pilot training, but in this emergency situation it was up to her to bring the plane safely to the ground. And she succeeded even if the landing was uncomfortable: the machine landed on a green strip next to the runway, the landing gear was not extended. The left wing of the aircraft broke. A “crash landing”, as the police put it – but definitely a success under the circumstances.
The passenger suffered only minor injuries
According to official information, the aircraft was a Piper Meridian turboprop touring aircraft. It offers six seats. Both people are from the state of Connecticut and were hospitalized. The courageous passenger suffered minor injuries and was able to leave the hospital. Police say the pilot is in mortal danger. Authorities did not say exactly what happened to him.
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Apparently, both people were still lucky, an experienced professional pilot explained to the broadcaster CBS News – partly because the weather conditions were favorable and no fire broke out on landing. There could also have been “a fatal end”. In addition, the propeller plane was relatively easy to fly: “It’s difficult for a non-pilot to land a plane, but if you find yourself in such a situation, this is the plane you want to be in. Small, not particularly complex or demanding.” The fact that the passenger managed to land without major damage was “impressive”.
Sources: West Tisbury Police Department / Massachusetts State Police / CBS News
Watch the video: Charlotte, USA: This plane has a problem. The front landing gear cannot be extended. The aircraft will hit the ground hard with its fuselage. A passenger films the emergency landing.