American Airlines Pilot Dies as Flight Is Preparing to Land

A pilot died on an American Airlines flight fom Dallas to Albuquerque on Wednesday afternoon. He collapsed in the cockpit as the crew was preparing to land and the plane's captain brought in the Boeing 737-800 safely after declaring an emergency.

William Mike Grubbs, identified by American as the first officer on the flight, was given CPR for nearly 40 minutes by medical personnel after the plane landed, reported CNN.

The Boeing 737-800 took off from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and was minutes from landing when it declared a medical emergency, Albuquerque International Sunport spokesman Daniel Jiron told the Albuquerque Journal.

"They landed without incident, taxied to the gate and were met by medical personnel,” said Jiron.

Many of the flight tasks on final approach in the Boeing 737 can be handled by one crew member, but dividing the duties up between two pilots can relieve stress on the captain.

Last October, the first officer on a German flight across the Mediterranean passed out and a flight attendant sat in the 737's cockpit and assisted the plane's captain, reported the Daily  Mail.

American Airlines issued a statement, saying it was "deeply saddened" by Grubbs death, per CNN.

"We are taking care of First Officer Grubbs' family and colleagues, and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time."

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