In a milestone moment for aviation automation, a small passenger aircraft successfully landed itself after an in-flight emergency, marking the first real-world, start-to-finish use of an automatic landing system during an actual incident, as reported by CNN.
The aircraft involved was a Beechcraft Super King Air 200, a twin-engine turboprop that came to a safe stop on the runway at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, near Denver. Video released by local emergency responders showed the plane already on the ground, with both people on board emerging unharmed.
The landing was carried out entirely by Garmin’s Autoland system. Garmin said this was the first time the technology has been used from beginning to end in a genuine emergency, rather than a test or demonstration. Autoland is currently installed on around 1,700 aircraft worldwide, primarily in business jets and advanced general aviation planes.
The aircraft was operated by Buffalo River Aviation and was flying from Aspen with no passengers on board when the incident occurred. According to the company’s chief executive, Chris Townsley, the plane suffered a rapid and uncommanded loss of cabin pressurization while airborne.
As the situation unfolded, the pilots donned their oxygen masks. When the cabin altitude exceeded preset safety limits, the Autoland system automatically activated, exactly as it was designed to do. Townsley said the crew then made a conscious decision to keep the system engaged rather than disengage it manually, prioritizing safety and reducing workload during an unpredictable emergency.
Once activated, Autoland took full control of the aircraft. The system selected a suitable airport, communicated with air traffic control, navigated to the runway, and executed the landing without pilot input. Audio from LiveATC.net captured an automated announcement warning nearby traffic: “Pilot incapacitation. Emergency auto-land in less than one minute on runway three-zero right.”
Buffalo River Aviation later clarified that no pilot incapacitation actually occurred. The message was part of the system’s standard automated communications and does not reflect the crew’s physical condition. Townsley emphasized that the pilots were conscious and capable, but deliberately chose to rely on the automation to minimize risk.
Garmin’s Autoland has been demonstrated publicly before, including controlled tests in aircraft such as the Cirrus SR22. However, until now, it had never been used to handle a real emergency from activation through touchdown.
The Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed it is investigating the incident, a routine step following unusual aviation events. No injuries or damage were reported.
For aviation experts, the successful landing represents a significant proof point for automation designed as a last-resort safety net. While not intended to replace pilots, systems like Autoland are increasingly seen as a way to reduce risk during rare but high-stress scenarios, such as medical emergencies or sudden aircraft malfunctions.
This incident suggests that fully automated emergency landings are no longer just a theoretical safeguard, but a demonstrated capability that can deliver real-world results when it matters most.
