AA Jet Forced to Make Emergency Landing in Syracuse after Pilot Dies

American Airlines flight 550 had to make an emergency landing at Syracuse Hancock International Airport, New York, on October 5.

The co-pilot of the Airbus A320, en-route from Phoenix to Boston, diverted to Syracuse after the the pilot, Capt. Michael Johnston, 57, of Utah, suffered a heart attack and passed away mid-air.

The plane landed safely. There were 147 passengers aboard at the time; all of them remained unhurt.

The airline said in a statement, “Unfortunately, our pilot passed away…We are incredibly saddened by this event, and we are focused on caring for our pilot’s family and colleagues.”