Pilot Of Plane Landed By Passenger Is Recovering After Surgery

Last week, we reported that a Cessna 208 Caravan on a routine flight from Marsh Harbor (MHH) in the Bahamas to Ft. Pierce (FPR) Florida made an unplanned landing by a ‘spontaneous pilot’ (a passenger) at International Airport (PBI) in Florida after the original pilot conked out.

The event dubbed ‘miracle in the air’ by the FAA made the headlines, buoyed by the fact that it landed without incident

Today, we’re pleased to provide an update on the original pilot who was unconscious for the last 30+ minutes. Shortly after the aircraft landed, the pilot was taken to hospital where it was discovered that he had suffered an aortic dissection. Apparently, an aortic dissection is a condition whereby a tear occurs in the inner layer of the aorta. While it is rare, its fairly common in men between 60-70 years old, but survival is greatly improved if its detected early and treated. The surgeon also believed that the pilot had suffered a stroke during the flight, and as a matter of fact, the pilot had previously remarked to those onboard that he “didn’t feel right.” The surgeon added that the pilot’s recovery was “really quite miraculous.”

Too many miracles for one flight?  Perhaps. Having rescue and support resources waiting at PBI, and rushing the incapacitated pilot to the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center further increased his chances of survival. The surgeon stated that “fifty percent of patients won't make it to the hospital, and the 50% of patients that do make it to the hospital will pass away within 24 hours without prompt diagnosis and treatment” So everyone got a chance to live to see another day, which should remind us all that nothing is promised, and to live each day to the fullest.

FMI: https://mayoclinic.org, https://palmbeachmedicalcenter.com