American pilot dies during flight

A co-pilot in the United States ended up landing an aircraft belonging to American Airlines on Monday after the pilot died airborne.

Though the flight was heading to Boston from Phoenix, the co-pilot diverted to Syracuse in New York.

The cause of the pilot’s death has not been released by officials of the airline.

In audio from the cockpit obtained by CBS Boston by Live ATC.net, which provides live air traffic control broadcasts, CBS heard the co-pilot calling the control tower,

“A medical emergency. Captain is incapacitated, request handling for runway one zero landing,” the television station quoted the co-pilot as saying.

Describing the incident to reporters in Boston, passengers said there was a quick descent, they felt some turbulence and then a member of the flight crew announced that the captain was not feeling well.

The passengers described a hard landing in Syracuse and did not know at the time why they were there.

They did not know if he passed away in-flight or after landing but praised the co-pilot who they said appeared calm during the entire incident.

“This is a terribly sad event and American Airlines is focused on caring for the pilot’s family at this time, as well as the American Airlines staff and passengers on board the flight,” the airline spokeswoman said.