An airplane landed itself after an in-flight emergency, marking a first for aviation automation.

The incident involved a Beechcraft Super King Air 200 near Denver. Importantly, both people on board walked away uninjured.

The aircraft came to a stop on a runway at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. Emergency responders later shared video of the landing.

According to Garmin, the plane landed using its Autoland system. The company said this was the first real emergency using the system from start to finish.

Garmin added that Autoland is now installed on about 1,700 aircraft worldwide. However, this was its first real-world emergency landing.

The aircraft operator, Buffalo River Aviation, confirmed the details. The plane was flying from Aspen and carried no passengers.

During the flight, the aircraft suffered a rapid and uncommanded loss of pressurization. As a result, the pilots put on oxygen masks.

Soon after, the Autoland system engaged automatically. The system activated when cabin altitude passed safe limits.

According to the company’s CEO, Chris Townsley, the system worked as designed. The pilots then chose to keep Autoland engaged.

Therefore, the aircraft handled the landing on its own. The system guided the plane to a suitable runway and landed safely.

During the descent, the system also communicated with air traffic control. An automated voice warned nearby pilots of the emergency landing.

Audio recordings captured the system stating “pilot incapacitation.” However, company officials later clarified that this message was automated.

Townsley said reports of pilot incapacitation were incorrect. He explained the message came from standard system protocols.

He added that the crew remained conscious throughout the event. They simply chose the safest option available.

Previously, Autoland had only been demonstrated in test conditions. In April, the system was shown during a controlled CNN flight.

In that demonstration, a single button activated the system. The plane then navigated, communicated, and landed automatically.

Following the Denver incident, the Federal Aviation Administration launched an investigation. Officials will review the event as standard procedure.

Meanwhile, aviation experts say the landing shows growing progress in flight safety technology.

As automation advances, systems like Autoland may help reduce risks during emergencies.

For now, the successful landing highlights how technology can support pilots when seconds matter most.

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