An American Airlines flight has been diverted after the captain fell ill and later died.
The aircraft, which had left Phoenix, Arizona, for Boston, Massachusetts, at 11:55pm local time, was forced divert to Sycaruse, New York, shortly after 7am EDT (11am GMT) after the flight’s captain was stricken, according to airline spokeswoman Andrea Huguely.
Some 147 passengers and five crew members were on-board the plane as the first officer safely landed the plane in the city.
In a recording of his exchange with the airport tower before landing he can be heard calmly saying: “American 550. Medical emergency. Captain is incapacitated”.
He then stresses that paramedics must get on the plane quickly in order to treat the pilot.
The airline said it was “incredibly saddened” by the pilot’s death.
“We are focused on caring for our pilot's family and colleagues,” the statement went on.
The plane was able to complete its trip to Boston after a replacement crew was sent to Sycaruse. Details of the medical emergency and the identity of the deceased pilot weren't immediately released. It also wasn't clear when the pilot died.
Additional reporting by AP
