Historic First Emergency Save by Garmin Autoland in Colorado
On December 20, 2024, Garmin’s revolutionary Autoland system successfully completed its first real-world emergency activation. The incident involved a Beechcraft King Air B200 operated by Buffalo River Aviation, which experienced a rapid loss of cabin pressurization while climbing through 23,000 feet after departing Aspen, Colorado.
The aircraft, carrying two pilots and no passengers, was equipped with Garmin’s Emergency Descent Mode and Autoland systems. These systems automatically engaged when cabin altitude exceeded safe levels. Initial reports suggested pilot incapacitation, but Buffalo River Aviation CEO Chris Townsley later clarified that the pilots remained conscious. However, they exercised “conservative judgment” by allowing the system to maintain control due to challenging conditions.
- Mountainous terrain
- Instrument meteorological conditions
- Active icing
The Autoland system successfully navigated the King Air to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomfield. It communicated with air traffic control using automated voice transmissions and executed a safe landing on Runway 30. The aircraft returned to service the following day.
Since its introduction in 2019, Autoland has been certified for eleven different aircraft models. The first King Air B200 installation was completed in January 2024.
Source: AvWeb