When Cessna Caravan pilot Ken Allen suddenly suffers severe pain on the right side of his head, a resourceful passenger swiftly pulls Ken from the cockpit and contacts air traffic control for assistance.
In this real pilot story, Chip Flores, air traffic controller at Treasure Coast International Airport in Fort Pierce, Florida, and Bobby Morgan, air traffic controller at Palm Beach International Airport, recount that memorable day in May 2022 when they guided the accidental pilot toward a safe landing.
ASI’s Real Pilot Stories allow pilots to share their encounter with a dilemma so others can benefit—while comfortable on the ground—from lessons learned the hard way in flight.
Review the Companion Copilot Video Series .
Watch the Critical Information: The Passenger Safety Briefing.
We share a deep passion for aviation safety. As compassionate pilots, we bring together safety research, analysis, and knowledge in creative ways to share aviation safety education with you—with the ultimate goal of one day having zero fatal accidents in GA. If you find this information valuable, please consider a donation to support our work.