Historic Event: Garmin Autoland Successfully Lands King Air During Real-Life Emergency
In a groundbreaking demonstration of aviation safety technology, Garmin’s Emergency Autoland system successfully landed a Beechcraft King Air B200 after a pressurization emergency on December 20, 2025. This marks the first real-world use of the autonomous landing system since its introduction in 2019.
The aircraft, operating as flight N479BR from Aspen-Pitkin County Airport to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Colorado, experienced a rapid, uncommanded loss of pressurization while climbing through 23,000 feet. The two pilots aboard immediately donned oxygen masks following standard procedures, and as a conservative measure, allowed the Garmin Emergency Autoland system to take control of the aircraft.
The sophisticated system automatically selected Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport as the optimal landing site, calculated the approach, communicated with air traffic control via automated voice messages, and executed a flawless landing on Runway 30 at approximately 2:19 p.m. local time. Both pilots landed safely with no injuries reported.
“Garmin can confirm that an emergency Autoland activation occurred at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomfield, Colorado,” the company stated. “The Autoland took place on Saturday, Dec. 20, resulting in a successful landing.”
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have launched investigations into the incident, which aviation experts are calling a validation of autonomous safety systems in general aviation.