Pilot Dies, Passenger Lands King Air

[George K]

The passenger did have experience in a Cessna and did have his license (I believe expired). He was flying with his family, and sitting in the co-pilot's seat for the trip. Had he been in back they would have gone down.

Link to video

[Improviso]

Wow... just wow.

[LuFins Dad]

Did they have him pay extra for privilege of piloting?

Oh wait, it’s not Qatar Airlines.

[Rich]

Holy crap....I turned it on, mostly anticipating skimming through to the end.

Nope.

Had to listen to every bit. There's something about hearing someone try and keep their emotions in check enough so they can clearly communicate....You just know he wants to flip out.

Impressive stuff.

[George K]

Hat tip to Gryphon for that one, by the way.

[brenda]

What a tension builder. Sounds like he was near tears after the landing. Can't blame him.

[89th]

Wow indeed, that simulation was really helpful too. My heart was pounding!

[Loki]

Ok, I watched the whole thing. Fascinating, the calm under pressure all around is the stuff of true heroes.

[George K]

@Loki said in Pilot Dies, Passenger Lands King Air:

Ok, I watched the whole thing. Fascinating, the calm under pressure all around is the stuff of true heroes.

When I got the link from Gryphon, I thought, "Yeah, well, whatever."

Then I started watching and listening. Gripping is an understatement.

I'm reminded of a description from Tom Wolfe's "The Right Stuff" where he talks about test pilots and how remarkably calm they were under the most horrible of circumstances.

"I've tried A. I've tried B. Nothing seems to be working. Do you have any other suggestions?"

These guys never lost it, up to that last moment when they augured into the deck.

[xenon]

Great video