80-year-old woman lands plane after her husband dies at the controls

In Door County, an 80-year-old woman landed a twin-engine plane after her husband became unconscious at the controls and died.

It started at around 5 p.m. Monday, April 2, when a Cessna declared an emergency about six miles south of Sturgeon Bay. The woman is not a pilot but had no choice but to take over after her 81-year-old husband lost consciousness due to a medical emergency.

Door County officials said a certified pilot flew alongside the woman to coach her.

Things got more complicated when the plane’s right engine ran out of fuel and lost power. A few moments later, the woman made her final approach and landed at the Door County Cherryland Airport.

The woman suffered minor injuries in the landing and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Her husband was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Their names were not immediately released. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating.

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