A 57-year-old pilot died of a heart attack on Monday, while flying a passenger plane with 147 passengers and five crew members aboard.
The American Airline's plane, en route to Boston from Phoenix, was landed safely by the co-pilot after he requested for immediate assistance.
“Medical emergency. Captain is incapacitated, request handling for runway,” the co-pilot was heard making a distress call.
Upon landing, medics responded promptly but pronounced him dead at the scene.
The flight crew was, however, commended for handling the situation well and not causing panic among the passengers, who were already shocked on hearing that the Captain was unwell.
“We couldn't be more proud of the teamwork this crew showed during an extremely difficult time,” the Airline's Chairman stated.
It is reported that Captain Michael Johnstone had a double bypass surgery in 2006 and since then had been required to take a test every six months as required for pilots above 40 years.
His wife Betty Johnston said that the husband was fine and vibrant before leaving for work that morning, making the news equally shocking to her.
Mr Johnston started his career with America West Airlines in January 1990. He flew two smaller planes before being upgraded to Captain, the Airline revealed.
