**Breaking News: Passenger Heroically Lands Plane After Pilot’s Heart Attack**
In a harrowing mid-air emergency, a passenger successfully landed a twin-engine aircraft after her husband, the pilot, suffered a fatal heart attack. The dramatic incident unfolded aboard a King Air C90, en route from Las Vegas to Monterey, California, when Ivon, 34, found herself grappling with the controls while desperately radioing for help.
“Ker 6077 x-ray, I need some help. The pilot has passed out,” Ivon frantically declared, her voice trembling as she took command of the situation. With no flying experience, she donned her husband’s headset and reached out to air traffic control, declaring an emergency.
As chaos unfolded, air traffic controllers swiftly stepped in, guiding Ivon through the complex cockpit instruments and reassuring her that she was safe. “You are perfectly safe where you are,” said Kevin, a flight instructor on the other end of the line. Despite her limited knowledge, Ivon managed to follow instructions, disconnecting the autopilot and hand-flying the plane.
Navigating the skies, Ivon faced the daunting task of aligning the aircraft for landing. With the controllers’ calm guidance, she turned the plane towards Bakersfield, where a long runway awaited. “You’re about 15 minutes away from Bakersfield,” Sean, another controller, informed her, instilling a sense of hope in the dire situation.
In an incredible display of courage, Ivon successfully landed the aircraft, bringing it to a halt on the runway. Tragically, her husband did not survive the ordeal, but Ivon’s quick thinking and determination saved their lives. This astonishing story highlights the power of human resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.