Passenger With 'No Idea How To Fly' Takes Over, Lands Plane After Pilot Falls Ill

The passenger was heard informing air traffic controllers: "Pilot has gone incoherent. I'm not sure how to fly an airplane."

The dispatcher promptly responded and inquired about the passenger's whereabouts, to which he replied: "I'm not sure. In front of me, I can see the Florida coast. And I'm clueless."

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The controller then offered guidance and instructed the passenger: "Maintain wings level and just try to follow the coast, either north or southbound. We’re trying to locate you."

Thankfully, the team discovered the jet around Boca Raton, some 25 miles north of Palm Beach, and instructed the passenger to descend the plane safely and steadily.

The jet landed safely around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, according to an FAA statement to TODAY.

After the suspenseful saga, the controller declared over the radio: "You just witnessed a couple of passengers land that plane."

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Another person was heard saying: "Did you say the passengers landed the plane?"

To which the controller replied: "That’s correct."

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Aviation expert John Nance spoke on the situation and praised the passenger: "This is the first time I’ve ever heard of one of these [Cessna Caravans] being landed by somebody that has no aeronautical experience."

"The person on the airplane who had no aeronautical experience listened very carefully and followed instructions with great calm," Nance continued. "That’s what made the difference," Nance added.

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The Cessna Caravan, which is 38 feet long and has a wingspan of 52 feet, can achieve speeds of 215 miles per hour and hold up to 14 people, according to the plane's maker.

The pilot was brought to the hospital after remaining unconscious. Their current status is unknown. An inquiry is underway by the Federal Aviation Administration.

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