On Sunday, April 7, 2024, a dramatic event took place in the skies over North Carolina. A passenger was unexpectedly called upon to perform a life-saving act when the pilot, Professor Joseph Izatt of Duke University, suffered a sudden medical emergency and was rendered incapacitated; he was later declared dead.
The flight, which took off from Raleigh-Durham International Airport, North Carolina, at 3:30 p.m., was expected to be routine until the pilot lost consciousness, leaving the passenger with the daunting task of controlling the aircraft.
The passenger who was called upon to take control was a flight instructor, conducting an instrument proficiency check at the time of the incident. The identity of the instructor has not been disclosed. The instructor reported to air traffic control that the pilot was not conscious. They were the only two on the plane.
Once the airport was in sight, the flight instructor who had taken over the aircraft communicated with the control tower. The instructor admitted that he was not familiar with the specific model of the aircraft and expressed a preference not to make a direct approach to the runway. He suggested, “It might be more prudent to approach in a pattern that allows me to adjust the aircraft’s speed and other parameters to my liking. Directly approaching in an unfamiliar aircraft can be notably more challenging.”
Evan Caulfield, who was at the airport at the time, filmed the aftermath of the incident, showing several emergency vehicles on the runway.
In an interview with a local news outlet, Caulfield stated, “I’ve been aware of numerous similar incidents, and it was fortunate there was a passenger capable of landing the aircraft. Emergencies occur frequently, and there are measures people can take to safeguard themselves. In aviation, having a co-pilot or someone knowledgeable in flying is vital. Awareness of situations and the commendable actions by emergency medical services, firefighters, and police is crucial for public safety.”
The private plane, a Cirrus SR-20 single-engine model, was able to make a successful landing back at its point of departure, Raleigh-Durham International Airport. It was reported by a local news outlet that the aircraft was owned by Izatt and Coherent Aviation in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Despite the successful landing and quick response of emergency services, Professor Izatt’s condition did not improve. He was later pronounced dead. Speculation suggests he may have suffered a heart attack during the flight, but this has not been officially confirmed.
Professor Izatt, aged 61, was a well-respected figure within the academic community, holding the title of Michael J. Fitzpatrick Professor of Engineering and chair of Duke University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering. He was renowned for his groundbreaking work in the field of medical imaging.
The announcement of Professor Izatt’s death by Duke University, coupled with the lowering of campus flags to half-staff, highlighted the profound sense of loss felt within the academic community and beyond.
Duke University’s Dean Jerome Lynch praised Izatt as an “exceptionally thoughtful leader” whose decisions were always influenced by his deep love for the biomedical engineering community. Izatt’s contribution to the field, including over 200 published papers and more than 75 US patents, emphasizes the impact of his loss on both Duke University and the wider scientific community.
Izatt is survived by his wife and three children.
