A routine flight quickly escalated into a terrifying ordeal when a 69-year-old woman with no prior flying experience was forced to take control of a private plane after her husband, the pilot, suffered a heart attack mid-flight. What should have been a routine journey from Henderson Executive Airport in Las Vegas to Monterey, California, turned into a life-or-death situation as Yvonne Kinane-Wells faced the unimaginable task of landing the plane.
The In-Flight Emergency: A Routine Flight Turns into a Life-Or-Death Situation
Yvonne Kinane-Wells, a real estate agent based in Las Vegas, found herself in the cockpit of a two-engine Beechcraft King Air 90, thousands of feet above the ground, after her husband, Eliot Alper, suffered a sudden heart attack. Eliot, a 78-year-old multi-millionaire real estate broker and experienced pilot, was rendered unconscious, leaving his wife with no choice but to take control of the aircraft.
Yvonne Kinane-Wells Takes Control with No Flight Experience
Before this harrowing event, Yvonne had no previous flight training or experience. Despite the panic that must have set in, she had the presence of mind to reach out to air traffic control for help. With her husband incapacitated beside her, Yvonne had to follow critical instructions to guide the plane safely to the ground.
The Terrifying Communication with Air Traffic Control
The audio recordings of her communication with air traffic control reveal the intensity of the situation. Kinane-Wells, her voice trembling, confirmed her predicament to the controller. “Okay,” she responded as they carefully guided her step-by-step on how to handle the aircraft. The controller offered advice like “add a little bit of power” and redirected her to the nearest airport, Meadows Field in Bakersfield, California.
Guided to Safety: A Miraculous Landing at Bakersfield
With air traffic control’s assistance, Yvonne managed to descend the aircraft to an altitude of 5,900 feet and approach the Bakersfield Airport. Incredibly, aided by emergency crews on the ground, she used the entire 11,000-foot runway—and beyond—to bring the plane to a stop. Against all odds, Yvonne had successfully landed the aircraft, an outcome many would have thought impossible.
Emergency Crews Aid the Distressed Wife Upon Landing
Upon landing, the Kern County Fire Department was ready on the scene. They swiftly attended to Eliot Alper, who was immediately transported to a hospital for medical treatment. The current condition of the 78-year-old pilot remains unclear, but the quick response of his wife, along with the guidance of air traffic control, certainly saved both of their lives.
The FAA and NTSB Step In: Investigation Follows the Emergency
Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the passenger, Yvonne, had successfully landed the plane after her husband experienced a medical emergency. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the event, with the NTSB taking the lead in providing updates and further details.
Pilot Incapacitation: A Rare but Real Threat
While pilot incapacitation is an uncommon occurrence, it does happen. According to statistics, the annual incapacitation rate among commercial pilots is approximately 0.25 percent. Yvonne Kinane-Wells’ experience serves as a rare and remarkable example of how unforeseen emergencies in the air can unfold, and how vital calm communication with air traffic control can be in such situations.
This incredible story of bravery and composure under immense pressure is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of aviation and the strength of the human spirit in the face of life-threatening challenges.
