Radar: Airplane Lands Itself After In-Flight Emergency for the First Time in Aviation History

BROOMFIELD, CO — On December 20, 2025, the aviation world witnessed a historic milestone in autonomous technology. For the first time outside of test environments, an airplane successfully landed itself following a genuine in-flight emergency. The Beechcraft Super King Air 200, equipped with Garmin’s Autoland system, touched down safely at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC) near Denver, marking a transformative moment for private jet safety and aviation automation.

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The Emergency: Rapid Depressurisation at 23,000 Feet

The twin-engine turboprop, operated by Buffalo River Aviation, was on a repositioning flight from Aspen when disaster struck. While climbing through FL230 (23,000 feet), the aircraft experienced a “rapid, uncommanded loss of pressurisation.”

As per emergency protocol, the two pilots immediately donned their oxygen masks. However, the aircraft’s integrated Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite detected the cabin altitude excursion and automatically engaged Emergency Descent Mode (EDM).

The Decision to Let the Computer Lead

Though early reports suggested “pilot incapacitation,” Buffalo River Aviation CEO Chris Townsley clarified that the crew remained conscious but made a tactical decision to let the Garmin Autoland system retain control.

“The crew consciously elected to preserve and use all available tools and minimize additional variables in an unpredictable, emergent situation,” Townsley stated.

By allowing the system to handle navigation, descent, and landing, the pilots were able to focus entirely on oxygen management and emergency checklists during the high-stress descent over mountainous terrain.

How the Autoland System Executed the Safe Landing

Once engaged, the Autoland system became the “digital captain,” performing several complex tasks simultaneously:

Autonomous Navigation: The system identified Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport as the most suitable landing site based on runway length, wind conditions, and terrain.
Emergency Communication: The system squawked 7700 (the international code for an emergency) and broadcasted automated voice messages on ATC frequencies, stating its position and intent to land on Runway 30R.
Precision Landing: The aircraft navigated a descending circle to lose altitude, configured the landing gear and flaps, and executed a perfect touchdown.
Post-Landing Safety: After stopping on the runway, the system automatically shut down the engines, allowing emergency responders to approach the aircraft safely.

Aviation Industry Impact: Market Trends and High-Value Keywords

This event is expected to significantly impact the business aviation market and aircraft insurance sectors. As more owner-operators look to retrofit their fleets with autonomous safety nets, search volume for high-value aviation terms has spiked.

DENVER, CO — In a milestone for autonomous aviation, a Beechcraft Super King Air 200 successfully performed the first-ever end-to-end autonomous landing during an in-flight emergency. The incident, which occurred near Denver’s Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC) on Saturday, December 20, 2025, has sent ripples through the aviation insurance and autonomous flight technology sectors, proving that “pilot-optional” safety systems are no longer theoretical.

The Incident: Rapid Depressurisation at 23,000 Feet

The twin-engine turboprop, operated by Buffalo River Aviation, was on a repositioning flight from Aspen when it experienced a “rapid, uncommanded loss of pressurisation” while climbing through 23,000 feet.

According to Buffalo River Aviation CEO Chris Townsley, the two pilots immediately donned oxygen masks. However, the aircraft’s Garmin Autoland system—integrated into the G1000 NXi avionics suite—detected the cabin altitude excursion and automatically engaged Emergency Descent Mode (EDM).

How the Garmin Autoland System Saved the Day

Unlike traditional autopilots, the Garmin Autoland system is designed to take total control of the aircraft, from navigation to engine shutdown. In this real-world scenario, the system:

Selected the Optimal Runway: It identified Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport as the most suitable landing site based on runway length and weather.
Automated Communication: The system broadcast “Pilot Incapacitation” alerts to Air Traffic Control (ATC) and nearby aircraft on emergency frequencies.
Executed the Landing: The aircraft navigated the mountainous terrain, lined up for Runway 30R, deployed flaps and gear, touched down, and braked to a full stop.
Engine Shutdown: Once stationary, the system shut down the engines to allow emergency responders to approach the cabin safely.

Clarifying “Pilot Incapacitation”

While ATC audio captured a robotic voice declaring “pilot incapacitation,” Buffalo River Aviation clarified that the pilots were not unconscious. Instead, they made a strategic “crew decision” to remain in a monitoring role, allowing the autonomous system to handle the landing variables while they focused on emergency checklists and oxygen management.

“The crew consciously elected to preserve and use all available tools… prioritizing life and a safe outcome,” Townsley stated.

Aviation Technology Trends & Market Impact

The Future of Single-Pilot Operations

With approximately 1,700 aircraft now equipped with Autoland technology—including the Cirrus Vision Jet, Piper M600, and Daher TBM series—the success of this real-world “save” provides undeniable proof of concept.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NTSB are currently investigating the mechanical cause of the depressurisation, but the consensus among safety experts is clear: automation is no longer just a luxury; it is a life-saving necessity.