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File image. Steve Parsons
Boeing 737-800
American Airlines co-pilot dies during airport approach in New Mexico
The captain declared a medical emergency a few minutes before landing.
AN AMERICAN AIRLINES co-pilot died during the landing of a plane in Albuquerque, New Mexico yesterday.
“American Airlines is deeply saddened by the death of first officer William ‘Mike’ Grubbs,” a spokesperson for the company told the Albuquerque Journal.
We’re taking care of first officer Grubbs’s family and colleagues and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this time.
The Boeing 737-800 was flying to Albuquerque International Sunport from Dallas-Fort Worth. The captain declared a medical emergency at around 3.45pm – a few minutes before landing.
“They landed without incident, taxied to the gate and were met by medical personnel,” the spokesperson said.
The Federal Aviation Authority said it “will follow up with the airline” to learn more about what happened, according to CNN.
Passengers on the plane were unaffected and there was no impact on the airport, according to US media.
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