On Tuesday, a passenger with no prior flying experience was able to land a plane in Florida after the pilot became “unresponsive” due to a medical problem.
Around 12:30 p.m., WPTV, tweeted that the single-engine Cessna 208 had landed safely at Palm Beach Airport.
According to FlightAware, the flight departed from Marsh Harbour, Bahamas, and arrived at its destination about an hour and a half later.
A passenger on a phone call with air traffic control at Fort Pierce tower stated that they were in a “really serious situation,” and requested assistance.
“My pilot has gone incoherent. I have no idea how to fly the airplane,” they said.
“Roger. What’s your position?” a dispatcher responded.
“I have no idea,” the passenger said. “I can see the coast of Florida in front of me. And I have no idea.”
The controller instructs the passenger to “maintain wings level” and “just try to follow the coast, either north or southbound,” as they attempt to locate the aircraft.
The controller was eventually able to walk the passenger through the process of landing the plane.
“Man, they did a great job,” someone from the control room can be heard saying.
“Did you say the passengers landed the plane?” another person added. “Oh, my God. Great job.”