DENVER — An airplane has automatically landed after an in-flight emergency, according to the system’s manufacturer.
The Beechcraft Super King Air 200 successfully landed itself near Denver, marking the first real-world use of Garmin’s Autoland system from start to finish.
Two pilots escaped unharmed after the twin-engine turboprop stopped safely on the runway at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC). The aircraft, operated by Buffalo River Aviation, was on a repositioning flight from Aspen with no passengers on board when it experienced a rapid, uncommanded loss of pressurization while climbing through 23,000 feet.
According to company CEO Chris Townsley, both pilots donned their oxygen masks as per standard procedure. The Garmin Autoland system then automatically engaged, selecting KBJC as the most suitable airport and taking full control of navigation, communication, and landing sequences.
“This was the first use of Autoland from start to finish in an actual emergency,” Garmin confirmed. The system, now installed on about 1,700 aircraft, can be activated manually or automatically—such as during a loss of cabin pressure. Once engaged, it broadcasts emergency messages, selects the nearest appropriate runway, communicates with controllers, lands, brakes to a stop, and shuts down the engines autonomously.
Air traffic control recordings captured the system broadcasting: “Pilot incapacitation… emergency autoland in less than one minute on runway 3-0 right.” Garmin and Buffalo River Aviation later clarified that no pilots were incapacitated; the alerts came from the system’s automated communication functions.
Corporate pilot Ryan Barstad, who was flying nearby, reported hearing multiple automated broadcasts on the emergency guard frequency before the King Air touched down. Flight tracking data showed the aircraft circling southeast of the airport before lining up with Runway 30R and executing the automated landing precisely as designed.
The aircraft, N479BR, is registered to Gunner Aviation of Arkansas and had recently been fitted with Garmin’s G1000 NXi avionics and Autoland capabilities by Blackhawk Performance Center in Missouri. The company called the successful landing proof that “this level of autonomy for the King Air 200 is no longer theoretical—it is operational and proven.”
Townsley praised the crew’s professionalism in allowing the Autoland system to complete its sequence despite challenging instrument conditions, mountainous terrain, and icing. They monitored the system’s performance and remained ready to intervene if needed. “Their decision prioritized life and safety above all else,” he said.
The Federal Aviation Administration has opened an investigation into the incident. The day after the emergency, the King Air departed KBJC without issue, flying to Wiley Post Airport in Oklahoma City.
Garmin stated it will release additional details after the FAA review but confirmed that the event “resulted in a successful landing,” marking a historic advancement in aviation safety and automation. — Agencies
