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Pilot Dies During Flight To Newark, Passengers Unaware
By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 18, 2009
Modified Jun 18, 2009
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By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 18, 2009
Modified Jun 18, 2009
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According to WCBS 2, "A Continental Airlines flight from Brussels will be making an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport after the plane's captain died mid-flight Thursday morning." The plane, a Boeing 777, will land around noon. CityRoom reports, "Two first officers were operating the plane, 'which they are perfectly qualified to do,' said Arlene Salac, a spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration at John F. Kennedy International Airport." The plane was scheduled to land at Newark, but now will receive "priority" landing. Update: The plane landed safely and passengers said they were not told. One, whose husband called her when the plane landed and informed her, said the crew "did an incredible job"—even handing out snacks—"I would have done the exact same thing." However, another passenger told CityRoom the staff was "very irritated and unpleasant," though now the passenger understands why. It's believed the 60-year-old pilot had a heart attack; a cardiologist onboard had tried to revive him with a defibrillator.
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continental airlines
emergency landing
mid-flight
newark
pilot death
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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