On May 10, 2022, when his pilot passed out in the middle of the flight, 39-year-old Darren Harrison had what he thought was the most terrifying event of his life.
The pilot of the single-engine Cessna 208 informed the two passengers on board that he wasn’t feeling well, and that he was experiencing “a medical emergency,” according to a statement issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Because of the unexpected illness, he passed out, sending the plane into a plunge. The jet had already in a deep dive when the pilot collapsed over the control panel.
Harrison, who had no prior flying experience, entered the cockpit and assumed control of the plane after realizing how dangerous the situation was. Harrison rapidly steered the aircraft and informed Fort Pierce Tower, located at Treasure Coast International Airport in Fort Pierce, Florida, of the incident.
At Fort Pierce Tower, Harrison next spoke with Controller Christopher “Chip” Flores. The FAA claims that Flores guided Harrison through the process and instructed him to fly straight while Justin Boyle, another of Flores’ coworkers, looked for the aircraft. Harrison was told to phone the Palm Beach Air Traffic Facility by Flores after the team discovered the plane, which was 20 miles from land. Harrison was directed to the Palm Beach Airport by controller Robert Morgan, a licensed flight instructor with prior experience flying the aircraft.
Harrison skillfully landed the private aircraft at Palm Beach International Airport after receiving Morgan’s precise directions. This maneuver has been dubbed a “miracle landing.”
Harrison spoke candidly in an interview about the horrific experience.
Watch his interview here:
