An American Airlines pilot have died while flying from Phoenix to Boston but later place landed safely by co-pilot.
The first officer calmly took over and safely landed the plane in Syracuse, airline officials said. American confirmed that the pilot died when the plane was nearing Syracuse, but declined to release his name, age, length of service or the nature of his illness.
“We are incredibly saddened by this event, and we are focused on caring for our pilot’s family and colleagues,” the company said in a statement.One hundred forty seven passengers were onboard when Capt. Michael Johnston, 57, was stricken.
Doug Parker, chairman and chief executive officer of American Airlines Group, said in a statement that Johnston "passed away while at work."
