Continental Airlines plane lands safely in NJ after pilot dies

Friday 19th June, 06:57 AM JST

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12 Comments

Sarge at 08:11 AM JST - 19th June

Glad the co-pilots were competent.

"Kelly Cripe, a spokeswoman for the Houston-based airline"

Cripe!
Shiva78 at 08:31 AM JST - 19th June

Struyven said he suspected the pilot had a heart attack. He said he used a defibrillator to try to revive the pilot, but it was too late.

How long did it take to get a doctor into the cockpit? This sort of implies a man's life was lost for taking too much time.

Was the cost of averting panic among the sheep the life of the pilot? Those expensive defribulators are everywhere now. That makes two complete wastes here.

I think from now on, while performing those speeches about what to do in an emergency that no one listens to, cabin crew should identify the doctors so they can be called on more quickly.
pawatan at 10:01 AM JST - 19th June

How long did it take to get a doctor into the cockpit? This sort of implies a man's life was lost for taking too much time. Was the cost of averting panic among the sheep the life of the pilot? Those expensive defribulators are everywhere now. That makes two complete wastes here. I think from now on, while performing those speeches about what to do in an emergency that no one listens to, cabin crew should identify the doctors so they can be called on more quickly.

I think it's just poorly written and meant to say "nothing could be done". Which is likely without a hospital around.
timorborder at 10:25 AM JST - 19th June

Long haul flight. These things happen. That is why these flights often have an extra pilot on board.

Thinking back, I seem to remember a similar incident on a BA flight between Tokyo and Japan. In that case, the Captain nipped into the cubby whole where crew bedding was set up and didn't return to his station at the alloted time. Apparently the chap had had a massive heart attack while resting.
wanderlust at 10:31 AM JST - 19th June

They call them co-pilots, but they are still qualified pilots, they just sit in the right hand seat, not the left...
ratpack at 10:40 AM JST - 19th June

Sad news but glad to hear the plane landed safely. RIP.
hoserfella at 12:37 PM JST - 19th June

Shiva78- Are u suggesting the airlines now have a doctor at the ready right outside the cockpit door on every flight? Were the 2 co-pilots able to land the plane safely without incident? Was your diatribe poorly thought out? If you can answer "Yes" to all 3 queries, it may be time to stop posting..
kwatt at 12:42 PM JST - 19th June

There are always 2 pilots controlling airplane. There is no worry if one of them dies or becomes very sick. If both dies, you will be in deep shit.
Xinef at 01:54 PM JST - 19th June

“They did an incredible job,” she said. “I would have done the exact same thing.”

I like how these sentences imply things that the lady interviewed never meant... Great editing!

2 co-pilots still there, I can hardly see at which moment the situation could have become critical for the plane.

Still, 60 is a bit early to go, my thoughts for the pilot and his family.
adaydream at 02:48 AM JST - 20th June

As a side story to all the great things these pilots have done to save passenger lives and their planes it comes out that these pilots are making about $20.00 an hour.

I'm not saying that these pilots on Flight 61 only get $20.00 an hour, they are taking great responsiblity for lower pay then I thought at least.

I do applaud the safe landing of Flight 61. My condolences to the family of the dead pilot. < :-)
NYC_Samurai at 04:35 AM JST - 20th June

Assuming he liked his job, at least he passed while doing what he enjoyed. I'd hate to kick off at my office.
amerijap at 05:11 AM JST - 20th June

Take my hat off to co-pilots and flight attendants for taking care of an emergency. Sorry for the pilot. The airlines will need to step up a policy on mandatory medical-check up for the pilots regarding the health issues.