Author Topic: American Airlines co-pilot dies during landing in New Mexico  (Read 2661 times)

Offline KB4TEZ

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American Airlines co-pilot dies during landing in New Mexico
« on: March 30, 2017, 07:02:00 AM »
the audio of the captain calling it is on the archives Albuquerque from yesterday 2130Z about 4 min in.(can't edit from work)
thoughts are with the family.

Seattle (CNN)An American Airlines first officer died Wednesday after becoming incapacitated during the last phases of landing at Albuquerque, New Mexico.
American Airlines Flight 1353, a Boeing 737-800 flying from Dallas-Fort Worth to Albuquerque, was 2 miles from landing when the captain declared an emergency, citing "a medical issue" aboard, according to a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman.
American identified the first officer aboard flight 1353 as William "Mike" Grubbs.
The aircraft landed safely at 3:33 p.m., according to Flightaware, and taxied to the gate, where it was met by paramedics, said Daniel Jiron, spokesman for Albuquerque International Sunport. Two people familiar with the incident said CPR was performed for 35 to 40 minutes before the first officer was pronounced dead.
The airline said in a statement that it "is deeply saddened" by Grubbs' passing. "We are taking care of First Officer Grubbs' family and colleagues, and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time."
The FAA said it "will follow up with the airline" to learn more about Wednesday's incident.
Many of the tasks during final approach in a Boeing 737 can be handled safely by a single crew member, but it would significantly increase the stress and workload for the captain.



Offline GeoffSM1

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Re: American Airlines co-pilot dies during landing in New Mexico
« Reply #1 on: March 31, 2017, 08:01:56 AM »
A very sad incident. My thoughts are with all concerned, especially Mike Grubbs' wife and son.

With the emergency being called so close to touchdown the audio is not surprisingly confined to the Captain's declaration and a short exchange with Ground during the taxiing to the ramp.

Whilst its clear that many of the tasks during final approach in a Boeing 737 can be handled safely by a single crew member in a normal situation, the Captain must thoroughly deserve the praise he has received from the passengers for getting them down safely in these circumstances. In addition to the normal pressures, imagine the added pressures created on finding that the person next to you is unresponsive and may be dying or possibly already have died.
« Last Edit: March 31, 2017, 08:22:56 AM by GeoffSM1 »