Charter company clarifies circumstances behind first reported real-world use of emergency landing system. (12/23/2025)
The recent emergency landing of a Beechcraft Super King Air at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Colorado using Garmin’s Autoland system was the result of a deliberate decision by the flight crew, not pilot incapacitation, according to the aircraft’s operator. Buffalo River Aviation told CBS Colorado that the pilots intentionally allowed the automated system to retain control of the aircraft following a pressurization failure, describing the choice as an exercise in “conservative judgment.”
The aircraft was climbing through 23,000 feet mean sea level after departing Aspen when it experienced a rapid loss of pressurization, said Buffalo River Aviation CEO Chris Townsley. Both pilots immediately donned oxygen masks, and the aircraft’s Garmin emergency systems activated as designed once cabin altitude exceeded safe limits. The system selected Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, navigated to the field, and automatically communicated with air traffic control, including broadcasts referencing pilot incapacitation. Townsley noted that these automated messages led to early, incorrect reports suggesting the pilots were unable to fly the aircraft.