American Airlines Capt. died of a heart-attack mid-flight
- 9 years ago
American Airlines Capt. Michael Johnston died of a heart-attack mid-flight from Phoenix to Boston early Monday morning, his wife Betty Jean Johnston told NBC News.
The 57-year-old veteran pilot had a double-bypass heart surgery in 2006, but had otherwise been in good health, his wife said, adding that the airline required Johnston to have a physical every six months to continue piloting.
Johnston's final flight, which carried 147 passengers and five crew members, was diverted to Syracuse, New York.
The airline said the co-pilot landed the jet safely at 7 a.m. ET Monday.
"We landed and had no idea what was going on," said passenger Louise Anderson.
"Airport security was waiting for us.
They let us know that they were going to get another crew to fly us to Boston."
The 57-year-old veteran pilot had a double-bypass heart surgery in 2006, but had otherwise been in good health, his wife said, adding that the airline required Johnston to have a physical every six months to continue piloting.
Johnston's final flight, which carried 147 passengers and five crew members, was diverted to Syracuse, New York.
The airline said the co-pilot landed the jet safely at 7 a.m. ET Monday.
"We landed and had no idea what was going on," said passenger Louise Anderson.
"Airport security was waiting for us.
They let us know that they were going to get another crew to fly us to Boston."