Garmin Autoland System Lands Beechcraft Super King Air 200 in Historic First

December 23, 2025 at 11:33 PM•2 min read

Following a rapid loss of pressurization, a Beechcraft Super King Air 200 successfully executed the first-ever automatic emergency landing using the

Key Points

1Garmin Autoland system completed its first real-world, non-test automatic emergency landing on a Beechcraft Super King Air 200 near Denver.
2The system activated automatically after the aircraft experienced a rapid loss of cabin pressurization at 23,000 feet.
3The flight crew consciously elected to leave the Autoland system engaged, clarifying that reports of 'pilot incapacitation' were due only to the system's automated ATC communications.
4The successful landing, which included autonomous navigation and communication, marks a major step for commercial aviation automation and is now under investigation by the FAA.

An aircraft has completed the first-ever automatic emergency landing in a real-world scenario. The twin-engine turboprop landed safely at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport near Denver. Two people emerged unharmed from the Beechcraft Super King Air 200 on December 20.

The successful landing was controlled by the Garmin Autoland system. The manufacturer confirmed this was the first use from start-to-finish in an actual emergency. Garmin's system is currently installed on about 1,700 airplanes.

Incident Details and Activation

The plane was operated by charter company Buffalo River Aviation. The flight departed Aspen with two pilots and no passengers aboard. The aircraft experienced a rapid, uncommanded loss of cabin pressurization.

Pilots immediately put on their oxygen masks as a precaution. The Garmin Autoland system automatically engaged as designed. This occurred when the cabin altitude exceeded prescribed safe levels.

The system then selected the nearest suitable airport. It navigated the aircraft and communicated with air traffic control (ATC). The aircraft also squawked 7700, the emergency transponder code.

Clarifying Pilot Status

ATC audio included an automated voice declaring "Pilot incapacitation." Buffalo River Aviation's CEO, Chris Townsley, clarified this was incorrect. The message was a function of the automated system's reporting.

The crew made a conscious decision to leave the system engaged. This was done to minimize variables in an unpredictable situation. The pilots prioritized a safe outcome over all other factors.

Industry Impact and Investigation

This event is a significant milestone for commercial aviation automation. The system is part of Garmin's Autonomi suite of safety technologies. It was awarded the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy in 2020.

Autoland can take full control, select an airport, and manage communications. The system also applies automatic braking and engine shutdown after landing. This technology offers a critical layer of safety, especially for single-pilot operations.

The system successfully navigated to the airport.
It configured the aircraft's landing gear and flaps.
It executed a safe landing without human intervention.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also collecting information. The investigation will confirm all operational aspects of the emergency autopilot engagement. The successful landing provides crucial data for future flight operation news and system development. The aircraft returned to service the following day without incident.