A twin-engine turboprop aircraft, a Beechcraft Super King Air 200, successfully conducted an automated emergency landing at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport outside Denver on December 20. The incident occurred after the aircraft experienced a rapid loss of cabin pressurization at approximately 23,000 feet while departing Aspen, Colorado. The pilots, reportedly conscious and able to control the aircraft, chose to allow the Garmin G3000 Autoland system to take over to manage the emergency and land the plane autonomously.
The Garmin Autoland system, designed to analyze terrain, weather, fuel, and aircraft performance, selected the safest nearby airport and executed the entire approach, landing, and rollout without pilot input. The aircraft came to a stop on the runway and shut down its engines without any damage or injuries. This event marks the first confirmed real-world use of the Garmin Autoland during an actual emergency situation.
The aircraft was operated by Buffalo River Aviation, based in Arkansas, and equipped with the advanced automated landing technology as part of its flight deck system. Federal authorities are currently reviewing the incident in accordance with standard procedures. The use of automation in this scenario underscores the advancements in aviation safety technology and its potential to enhance pilot safety during in-flight emergencies.
