Pilot Dies! Passenger TRIES To Land Plane!

The pilot flying your family just slumped over and is not responding. The airplane is climbing and you can't figure out how to stop it. Your wife and two kids are in the back and now it's up to you to save them and yourself. Can you fly the plane and figure out how to land before you run out of fuel or crash?
This was the scenario for Doug White and his family. They had just attended the funeral for Doug's brother and are now flying a charter flight home. This is Doug's second time in a King Air aircraft, both times as a passenger. However, he never expected he would have to learn how to be a pilot and fly when the pilot slumped over and died shortly after takeoff.
This was a nightmare scenario! Although this happened on a charter flight, it also happened on an American Airlines flight when the pilot died as the plane was taking off! That's probably one of the worst times for a pilot to die! If you want to see how that turned out, check out the full video here:
👉 • Airline Pilot DIES On ...
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This channel is for entertainment purposes only and represents solely my opinion and not the opinion, views, or position of anyone else.
If you want to see the full video of this story, including commentary from Doug White and the air traffic controllers, you can check it out here: • PILOT DIES, Passenger ...

[@stvrob6320]

I bet he never imagined how important his brief flight experience early in his life would become decades later. Well Done Mr. Doug. Very well done.

[@lcfflc3887]

Basic flying instructions should become a thing even if you do it in a simulator.

[@firebug1892]

That was God!

[@clairetrinkle3034]

DOUG WAS AMAZING and THOSE ATCs were AMAZING👏👍💪👏👍💪👏👍👏👍💪🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@dustyflair]

he had a pilot license BUT not on a twin engine turbo prop.

[@stvrob6320]

@@dustyflair That is not what he told ATC during the flight, or in subsequent interviews after the flight.

[@Gslice-ok4ck]

Shout out to Doug’s family for not screaming and panicking in the background allowing him to fully concentrate on flying.

[@Graciashauf]

His wife probably knew the situation and kept the kid(s) calm

[@AnthonySharp-c1w]

They probably didn't know

[@nelsonl.8344]

Amen, nothing worse than panicking and noise during a time when you need focus. Completely useless.

[@Drewsvids-rf1mj]

They might have thought that the pilot was asleep and knew Doug could do it but that’s just my theory

[@ChanceandChoice]

Iirc they actually knew what was happening, and the wife made a decision to stay quiet and pray with her daughter or daughters. At least I vaguely remember that from the original video I watched on this flight a while ago so idk which video that was. It included interview footage with the family though.

[@dennismackey1297]

This story needs to be turned into a movie! Very inspirational!!

[@weimars03]

It was. On a Wing and a Prayer w/ Dennis Quaid

[@jessicabecause3717]

uhhhhhh

[@bethterry4943]

Great movie! ​@@weimars03

[@DoveyBoii]

@@weimars03 it is it’s on a wing and a prayer!

[@Das_Bird]

Doug made an excellent speech at NATCA following this incident. Truly unbelievable. He even went on earn all of his additional ratings and flew relief missions to Haiti. Absolutely inspirational.

[@chrisclermont456]

Wow!! Amazing!!

[@saponi2]

Sorry about the pilot and his family. Doug has made his death meaningful, the pilots family will still hurt. All did a great job!

[@Wellthatwilldoit]

If anyone can tell me, how to become a missionary pilot? I'd love to help others in my spare time in the future

[@Timbo6669]

@@Wellthatwilldoitmake some phone calls.

[@dwightmcqueen5771]

Is is on video by chance

[@Loiyaboy]

"It ain't over til its over, friend" may be the most bad ass real life thing I've ever heard.

[@robertdillon9989]

💯 %

[@chrisperrien7055]

No doubt 😎

[@thomasheepke3821]

Dude has some stones... to have any sense of humor in that situation is baller status. He is prob a guy you'd enjoy having some beers with.

[@RIRL916]

What an absolute G

[@keithb3801]

​@@thomasheepke3821No doubt this man has baller status after this! His previous flight experience no doubt really saved them as well as being in the co-pilot seat feom the start. They could have easily hit the max ceiling height before they knew anything was wrong if he was in the back. Pretty bad ass line to throw down jest before touching down. Great job by all those involved to keep him calm. You can almost never talk too much to someone in that situation. Your job is to keep their mind on task and checking what the dials say. Constant reassurance and telling him good job also instills confidence in the new pilot at the helm. Great video. Definitely makes me want to get at least some flight Sim time in before jumping on a charter flight in case this ever happens.

[@aprilstar3819]

OMG , What a hero for his family ! Rest in peace to the pilot who passed and sincere condolences to his friends and family . 32:15

[@squib3083]

the lady controller did a TREMENDOUS job calming down the situation and knowing how to keep Doug prioritized.

[@Twinkle_Toes88]

Yes. It was a bit chaotic; she came in like a good, strong teacher/southern mama!❤

[@littleme3597]

YES. Woman are best at giving instructions too. Too many males, have the ego and oneupmanship to be any help. They can't help it. They want to show off.

[@ValerieGriner]

She was a pilot(as well as an ATC controller).

[@Mrbfgray]

"You are pilot NOW." (I'd be tempted to say)

[@garyhighley9022]

She kicked ass

[@Rikki0]

I've heard the entire narrative on this before. If he had added a few more seconds to the video you would have heard Doug thanking the controller profusely as his voice finally began to break with gratitude and emotion. Remember, he didn't just save himself. He saved his family, his loved ones.

[@Peakfreud]

Man I cant even imagine the stress of the situation... You're overwhelmed & have your family aboard just wow

[@whismerhillgaming]

shame it's not in this video

[@truemeaningofmamasboy4366]

Where can i find that footage

[@dustyflair]

I think that is why he started to cry. I dont thhink he cared one bit about himself when he had his wife and children's lives in the balance too....

[@rainscratch]

I thought it ended too soon - we would have liked to hear how the conversation went after Doug had stopped the aircraft. @@whismerhillgaming

[@UkDave3856]

Everyone involved in this incident deserves nothing but the highest praise, but Doug? Man Doug is a stone cold legend, and a credit to his name 👏👏

[@torydz]

His WHOLE family is amazing. I mean, you never hear yelling or screaming or crying in the background. RIP to the pilot, but Doug and his family were incredible through all of this. On a lighter note, good thing the ATC guy didn't say , "Use the Force, Doug."

[@janetmessman95]

Amen!

[@alienb1212]

Wonder if the pilot did a proper w/b for Doug's balls.

[@quitman977]

As a low hour " pilot" myself I'm listing to how cool Doug is in this situation. I was holding my breath the whole time. Nice job all around

[@lcfflc3887]

This wasn't fair for anybody, there should have been a second pilot there, this has happened way too many times already, imagine the times this has happened and everyone died leaving no clue about what happened since no one new how to even use the radio.

[@Crackrocksteady]

This dude will be a legend in his kids eyes and this story will live on for generations in their family

[@theecarking]

"You know, you wouldn't be here right now if your great grandpa hadn't landed that plane right?" *points to portrait of Doug over the mantle*

[@nikolainovak3237]

100%

[@Crackrocksteady]

@theecarking dad saved the family lineage

[@matteogavinson3549]

Ya if anybody saw there dad do that I think they would forever see him as a super hero.

[@theKashConnoisseur]

The fact that he still had the gumption to joke with ATC during all this makes him a legend by any respect.

[@grthillbilly]

Old Doug is a true hero. Don’t know Doug or his family, but I was thankful for the ice water running through his veins.

[@thomasheepke3821]

Cold as ice. I'd have shit and piss all over the seat but hopefully have a similar result.

[@nevaannegrant453]

@@thomasheepke3821 LOL

[@jjj1981jj]

That female controller had such a wise, emotionally-intelligent approach and a calm demeaor. She handled this situation like she has been there 68x before. Great controller.

[@roadhouse2109]

prolyl prior navy

[@jgyrwa]

Please stop with the “ emotional intelligence “ bs. A phrase created by modern women for women. Means absolutely nothing to a man. The female control was professional, and highly trained, no emotions in the world, can prepare you for that moment. Sound stupid using that phrase.

[@trezndawg4240]

Yes, the female Controller saved the family!

[@jessicabecause3717]

"calm demeanor" of a flight controller. YEAH good gob on the person trained to do their job. smh

[@jjj1981jj]

@@jessicabecause3717 She did do a great job at her job. In addition to her calm demeanor, she could tell when he was questioning his capabilities and reassured him, she talked him through it all just beautifully. That takes tact and skill. The first controller was sh*tting bricks and wasn’t even comprehending the information, even after several explanations. I’m sure it was scary for him and I’m not faulting him. He was scrambling to find someone with more knowledge and experience. Everyone did a great job this day. But I’ll never understand what’s so wrong with giving someone a pat on the back for a job well done? Even if it is her JOB, it’s not every day controllers need to talk someone (with just a few flight hours and who had just witnessed the death of their pilot) through gaining and maintaining control of an unfamiliar aircraft with their family on board…and then safely landing it. You sound salty smh

[@lisanadinebaker5179]

A few tidbits that Doug shared in a more recent interview. This transpired over several hours. During that time, the NTSB was notified and activated an investigation team not expecting a successful landing. Their aircraft was turned around in flight and send home - first time that has ever happened. Secondly, once he landed, he couldn't get the engines turned off. There was controller relaying information from the King Air pilot and his phone died right after he touched down. So no one could get to the aircraft. Finally, a pilot with Eastern (which was still flying then) who had King Air time, came on the radio and helped him out. All the commercial flights had been grounded for the entire time this was going on. Doug and his family caught a flight home, gratis, on Delta that night. We grew up in the same part of NE Louisiana.

[@RavenMobile]

Thanks for the info! Interesting stuff.

[@Purriah]

Imagine they charged him for the flight home lol

[@TheLifeOfNurse]

This dude had a chartered plane. I don't think money was an issue.

[@ashleysantos1450]

I can’t believe they’d get on a plane again so soon

[@dirtydingus5465]

I grew up just north of Monroe, La. Little town called Bastrop

[@longone844]

It ain’t over til it’s over. Doug. What a man.

[@Farnsworth11]

Doug is the kind of guy you want to be with in an emergency. Calm demeanor, focused, skilled, plans ahead and even throws in humor at appropriate moments.

[@ktmdoug]

And it was his King Air. He was the owner and had flown on it many times. Hence the tail number ending in DW= Doug White

[@hieronymusbosch6255]

OMG…this was insane….I need about a week to decompress…

[@teresacrossland1676]

I watched the movie about this and dont remember Doug owning the plane and Doug had only attempted to land a different plane once.

[@Bflatest]

yes during a zombie apocalypse You want a Doug with you

[@frequencywatchers]

And Because Hes RICH !

[@Davidaston2586]

That air traffic control lady did an amazing job she deserves a raise! I'm pretty sure she's a big reason why he did so well and didn't freak out

[@Tom-r4x]

She didn't do squat compared to the guy who followed up!

[@bowser515]

​@@Tom-r4xShe got him to that second controller, and handed him over in a calm, rational state thanks to her calm and clear instructions and reassurances. Both of them did a fantastic job...

[@crazychase98]

​@@Tom-r4xtakes a team for somthing like that

[@TooSkramz]

​@@bowser515I don't wanna give the previous comment any clout by replying to them directly, but I appreciate your willingness to defend a total stranger. She did a fantastic job by remaining level-headed, supportive, and consistent. People love to romanticize hero characters and big headlines, but aviation is always a team effort, and this is a textbook example of synergy under pressure. To be clear, I commend every single person who was part of this- which is exactly why it's so silly to discount the efforts of anyone who saved these lives.

[@bowser515]

@@TooSkramz Exactly, love a good team effort. This was definitely an example of everybody involved doing I it right.

[@MrLewis-lk8us]

Doug is the coolest calmest cat I ever heard under pressure.

[@verticle2612]

I was a helicopter pilot in the Army, 32 years. I’ve seen a lot of shit but never anything like this. Doug you are one cool cat my brother. Amazing work!

[@treaceeames4697]

Charlatans

[@one-eyepadidally8449]

@@treaceeames4697 ??

[@nutritionperfection]

Doug White actually owned the airplane at the time (through his company) and went on to get a commercial rating and fly the same plane on humanitarian missions to Hati and Belize as well as flights for Veteran Airlift Command. He eventually sold the plane but it's a heck of a story.

[@aliveandwellinisrael2507]

That's incredible. I could imagine a lot of people being terrified of planes after something like that.

[@jekylthorn8969]

That is a fantastic story!!

[@HimboThrice]

@@jekylthorn8969 Movie Worthy. I would watch.

[@kinkle_Z]

Wow! Thank you for the follow-up!

[@57whizzer]

@@aliveandwellinisrael2507He said he had to make a decision, either get back on the horse that threw him or never ride again. He decided to get back on the horse and learn to fly the King Air

[@casssmith2610]

He got to meet those wonderful ATC who helped him… they all earned the highest awards they can for their profession. I’m crying!!!

[@CaseyDrones]

Human beings helping their fellow human beings is a beautiful thing

[@docholliday6285]

This was riveting. As a retired USAF mishap investigator, CRM instructor this was executed to near perfection, given the circumstances. Huge respect for the team who stayed calm, focused and got the job done.

[@arcticgirl6259]

I was a software simulation engineer at Boeing early in my career. I can attest that landing a plane in a sim( much less in real life) is very hard if you have minimal experience. The coordination between ATC and this pilot (I call him that because of how professional he handled himself in a terrible situation) is amazing as well as the pilot being able to balance his stress with working with the controller. You sir are an incredible individual.

[@Fkujoeb123]

Weird. I’ve flown many planes on flight sims all the way up to 737s. No training just hopped on and tried it out pressing buttons u til I figured out what’s what. This was years ago and it all came naturally to me. I would only crash of it was intentional unless I was trying to figure out how slow I could actually go. All I would do Ilis eyeball it and set flaps down as I slowed approach and got the speed down. Then pull throttle and brake. You make me want to have a real go at it if the sims are really that similar.

[@JeffTaylor-fw4im]

I knew both the pilot and the passenger personally. Its still unbelievable to listen.

[@calvinyeung]

Once a pilot aways a pilot. Even haven't flown for 20 years and only on a single engine, he still remembers how to aviate and monitoring the instruments and asking right questions.

[@BillChristen3]

I've listened to this before, and I still get tears in my eyes for the entire time. Knowing that this man had his family with him just gets me. Fantastic job.

[@supra1jzed]

Where the tear jerks are for me is hearing the pain in his voice when he comments "I have a dead pilot next to me" and hearing the worry/fear in "It ain't over till it's over, friend"

[@RavenMobile]

@@supra1jzed I didn't hear any fear or nervousness in his voice until that "It ain't over till it's over, friend". It really hit me hard, my stomach dropped out feeling his resigned worry. The landing was near perfect! Great job.

[@akse]

Got my eyes wet when he finally landed

[@RKDriver]

On top of that, a dead pilot sitting right next to him moving around and bumping controls.

[@jaythatguyyouknow5135]

That’s not tears, that’s those little onion ninjas trying to catch us slipping.

[@madr309]

I watched this right after the Pilot Debrief video about TNflyinggirl's fatal crash. Someone in the comments said that she knew how to fly the plane, but not how to be an aviator. This was exactly the opposite; Doug didn't know how to fly the plane, but boy did he know how to be an aviator. The reason that this tragedy only resulted in one death, rather than five, is all down to his cool head and calm judgment. I'm sorry Hoover didn't include Doug's final comment to ATC, when he was down and safe; his voice shakes and you can hear the worry, fear, and relief that he'd been suppressing in the name of getting his family down on the ground safely. What an amazing airman.

[@airbedane]

Truly

[@bluethunder4542]

Beautifully put

[@tianzhou1244]

TNflyinggirl did not know how to fly a plane and was not an aviator...

[@johnames6430]

@@tianzhou1244 she only went up to fly for social media, she didn't care about anything else. It was all to become a social media influencer

[@tianzhou1244]

@@johnames6430 Yes, I agree

[@AnthiePelagias]

Omg they all deserve medals. I can't believe how calm Doug was. This guy truly deserves a medal. Bravo 👏👏👏

[@one-eyepadidally8449]

His “medal” is having his family survive with him. I’m sure that’s truly all that mattered to Doug.

[@moosewild4239]

Mad respect for Doug, his family and the controllers who helped him.

[@ig8083]

The lady controller was a boss. Incredible. The male controller was smooth and incredibly calm. What a hero.

[@terrybrown3199]

Doug, you are my hero! Man, you kept your cool, listened and responded, and asked for clarification when in doubt. And then went on to earn your certificates! And then went to help others. I hope to shake your hand someday.

[@tessamadere80]

God Blessed you all!!

[@justforever96]

I feel like having even a little experience on a totally different type of plane decades prior is about a thousand times better than having no experience at all.

[@pulkpuller]

Yah I would be clueless

[@nicholasflick8997]

​@@pulkpuller Ever played a video game?

[@TheDjcarter1966]

Yeah same here I got 10 hours but just having feel for controlling maneuvers with a stick and rudder I would like to think I might have a chance versus no experience at all

[@pablosskates7067]

@@nicholasflick8997yeah but this is pretty different from the cape in super Mario world

[@handgunpro3195]

watching a few hours of this channel gives you massively better odds

[@drtbke]

Doug was one of my dad’s good friends. And he never bragged or talked about this event afterwards. You’d never know what he did just by looking at him or even talking with him.

[@Chris_t0]

I mean 99% of people wouldn't that would be a really weird and traumatic think to bring up

[@myzacky96]

He sounded like John Wayne to me

[@kamelkoroghli3738]

Great share, thank you for giving the feeling to stay stuck on my seat to follow this flight till the good end, You doing a great job 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@darylsmioth1904]

Guys like Doug don't brag, they just do.

[@ZZ-zj4ky]

Yeah sure Me too

[@CuriousMouseExploration]

Great job, Doug and Doug's family, all not panicking. Fantastic flight controllers, keeping him calm, cheering him on, and getting the right info to him. A husband and father saving his family - the way it should be - a real man! Celebrate. RIP to the pilot. Fantastic story he gets to tell the rest of his life!

[@pamelaphelan4144]

I’m a retired F/A and all I know is…never stop “flying the plane” ✈️ Everything else is after that. PS: had the absolute pleasure of flying with Sully a couple times while with US Airways back in the day. Such a gentleman and boss pilot 👨‍✈️

[@patriciakelly2714]

My God, I was exhausted for him. It was nail biting stuff. Remarkable that Doug kept his cool and saved himself and his family. Well done, you are a true hero. Xx

[@MrTommy001]

@@PlasmaStorm73 That fact changes the story a bit. I thought he was just joe average passenger who stepped up and saved the day.

[@letsgobrandon6281]

​@@PlasmaStorm73 he hadn't flew in 18 years

[@alfredocano7876]

😂😂😂😂

[@miket4535]

if I keep listening to persons KZbin videos I'll be able to fly without being instructed. So if I'm ever in a small craft and there's a problem this guy probably taught me more than I've ever known about planes

[@littleme3597]

Yes. An excellent American male.....^ 5.

[@Former_Pilot]

Thanks, Pilot Debrief, for an excellent recap of this story. I have 300 hours and a Commercial License in a single engine land aircraft, but wouldn't be at all comfortable trying to fly a complex aircraft from the right seat (even without a dead pilot to my left). It's a fantasy for every low time pilot to imagine that he would do fine in this scenario, but it's mostly just a fantasy. Doug did excellent in landing. I really appreciate how you explained all the terms for those not familiar with the cockpit. Excellent job. Great story.

[@thomasmyers4010]

Amazing job. 80hrs on a single engine aircraft, 18 yrs previous. Its amazing when under pressure, the human brain can conjure up knowledge from almost 20 years back. Fair play to him. What a fantastic job he did. Take a bow

[@Smitty65721]

Sounds like me. I was wondering how I would do. I have a single engine cert. with 104 hours, but haven't flown in 16 years.

[@andrewdstokes]

In awe of the composure of Doug. Dead pilot to your left, your family in the back, and to control that plane for the first time down to a smooth landing was amazing. Kudos to all the ATCs too for their calmness and coaching, and to the King Air instructor on the phone somewhere at the back. Teamwork, leading to a good landing. My respects and RIP to the pilot though, going out doing what he loved, but leaving a hole in his family and friends. My thoughts to them all.

[@sludge8506]

Doug was a pilot, but had no experience in a twin. You are right, though, everyone did a great job. The deceased pilot was sort of a hired hand, but he and Doug were good friends. His name was Joe Cabuk. 😢

[@gumbykevbo]

@@sludge8506 Well, he was a "pilot" with 18hrs. airtime. That means he might well have soloed, but 18 hrs. is basically nothing. That isn't even halfway to enough time to get his initial airman's certificat (pilot license) and all of that time was in the simplist of aircraft, and he now finds himself at the yoke of a very complex aircraft...Here is a partial list of things he has never before had to deal with: Turbine engines, constant speed props, auto pilot, retractable landing gear, slippery airframe that gains speed in a hurry if he drops the nose, more than 2x the landing speed, twin engines, and it is very likely that the trainer he flew didn't have a glass cockpit like this king-air. Beyond the private pilot rating he built those 18 hours toward, to be leagle flying that aircraft he would have needed a turbine rating, a twin rating, and a complex aircraft sign-off. For being out of the cockpit for 18 years, his radio work was damned good.... Once he got past the initial freakout, he was mostly reading back instructions and signing with his N#. We've seen a lot of videos where far more experienced pilots lose that in a sticky situation. So one thing he had going for him was that he most likely flew those 18 hours out of a controlled field, or in a high traffic area where he had to work with ATC a lot. Another thing he had going for him was staying amazingly calm and collected. It isn't surprising that he made a few jokes, as that can be a good stratagy to calm yourself down...basically if you laugh, it tells your body everything is OK.

[@krazyk57]

How can another pilot say/transmit “he’s not gonna make it” during that situation…Shame on that guy….Dude is fighting for his and his family’s life…. Got to be better than that…God bless Doug…Simply a miracle…🙏🙏🙏

[@rickyspeople]

Totally agree. Zero need to cast aspersions upon the situation like that. “Don’t you put that evil on me, Ricky Bobby!”

[@one-eyepadidally8449]

Uhh. I didn’t hear that said at all. ATC was nothing but positive and encouraging. Of course you didn’t leave a time stamp.

[@krazyk57]

@@one-eyepadidally8449 It was another pilot chirping on the radio while the situation was unfolding…It’s in there ..Perhaps you can listen to it again …

[@Bryanscott88]

What an amazing job on behalf of the controllers helping save Doug and his family! What an excellent job Doug!! I love stories like these. May the pilot rip

[@RtaniDean]

Yes. Ditto on all. Well-typed. TY

[@sharedknowledge6640]

Agreed. Let’s hope for more long videos like this instead of all the TikTok like nearly useless shorts.

[@lostinspace699]

Doug should give the owner of the plain an invoice for flying the plain ,,,

[@roadcyclist1]

​@lostinspace699 the owner is deceased. Also, it is spelled "plane."

[@darkchamber6664]

​@@RtaniDeanl

[@toddmoone6941]

Went to his brothers funeral. Pilot dies in the air. He's trying to save his family. Jesus. Can't make this shit up. He needs a true blessing.

[@redblade8160]

@toddmoone6941. You're trying to say that the pilot is flying back from his brother's funeral, only to end up going to his own funeral! Who says that God doesn't have a sense of humour?

[@joefried6604]

This is how it always happens

[@iitzfizz]

Absolutely nuts...It never rains, but it pours...

[@dawn_darklight]

Wait, so Doug died too?!

[@DMNSAV]

@@dawn_darklight - no, he survived. He rarely gives interviews. They just made a movie about it. He ended up getting his rating for the king air and doing a lot of charity/non-profit flying. The king air can be complex, yet fun plane to fly. The story is incredible.

[@bigal7561]

That guy saved himself and his family. Those ATC's were outstanding. They too saved these lives. This is a real man that took control of the plane, the situation and his emotions. I think he's from my neck of the woods Oklahoma. If not Texas. God bless him and the ATC's. Wonder where your tax dollars are spent for the better good? Just look at the ATC's. I have church tomorrow and I know this is an older incident but regardless. Prayers are going to all involved. Prayers of thanks

[@57whizzer]

Louisiana, I think.

[@Threewulphmoon]

whoever interrupts the air to say 'he's not going to make it' shouldn't be in the air

[@Lexlugr]

Agreed, that guy was a trash human being

[@jamesethan3749]

What time stamp? I didnt see that

[@Lexlugr]

​@@jamesethan3749 around 4:00 total douche of a pilot

[@seekingtruenorth]

@@jamesethan3749 4:03

[@MrHeuvaladao]

Totally, bro. What a slimy human being.

[@tasmedic]

Incredible story. Pretty much a perfect landing. Trying to do something like that with a dead man beside you leaning on the yoke, and your loved ones in the back..... What a hero.

[@kingslaphappy1533]

Doug and all the ATC you guys are amazing. 😢

[@polariaosu]

Not much makes me cry, but for some reason I always find a few tears rolling down my face every time I come back to this story and hear Doug set that plane down on the runway. What an incredible, heroic man for being able to operate under that kind of stress with a dead pilot next to him, and his wife and kids in the back of the plane.

[@kevinheard8364]

my eyes, as well.....

[@harlankraft578]

Ditto me too! What an amazing experience! Great effort by Doug and everyone involved truly amazing!!!

[@rilo3075]

Lessons on How To Man Up, by Doug.

[@kookiethebear]

This is the best all-around flight video I've witnessed. Awesome job by Doug, who had many stressors (family onboard, hasn't flown in a long time, never flown this aircraft type, dead man nearby) and pulled it out like a semi-pro! His family was pretty awesome trusting him and never being heard causing additional stress/drama. Both control towers performed amazingly for this unique situation. And lastly, for anyone that isn't in aviation, Hoover's narration will walk you through ever step of the way. I'd give you a double thumbs up on this post if I could.

[@myzacky96]

Yes, Doug was real hero!

[@ohnoZomBri]

This is one of my favorite stories. Doug is such a lovable character. His award ceremony speech is so touching. Thank you for breaking it down!

[@2000disneyland]

The narration of this amazing flight, my husband (a former Navy pilot) and me, glued to this story. We were so relieved Doug landed the plane safely. R.I.P. to the pilot who died during the flight.

[@57whizzer]

Tell your husband that Doug said later that he had about 25 hours n the previous 6 months in a C-172. And then he tackles the King Air. Your husband will explain👍

[@NightmareRex6]

wonder if he had the jabby poke poke.

[@one-eyepadidally8449]

@@NightmareRex6 Why?

[@MommaOsoIrish67]

Doug is who you want in a crisis.. and kudos to him for immediately giving clear summary of situation and requesting a pilot familiar with the aircraft. It's a shame the controller wasn't listening.

[@edwardwong654]

That was stressful. Now whenever I am doing something for work and I am frustrated by the instructions, I will remember this video for inspiration.

[@frisk151]

The cool headedness of Doug cannot be overstated... His family is on board and the pilot checked out... A LOT of people would freak out about this situation, regardless of training or none at all.. He was ROCK solid mentally! His commo work with the ATC people was also solid! Read backs and all.. Hope he gets back into flying on the regular... That King air should be gifted to him... It would likely have been destroyed without Cool Hand Doug! This is a man you want around you when things go bad....

[@UIMcocodog]

its one of them stories that makes you think "what if i?" and i would panic, i think anyone would. guys cool as a cucumber tho and just got it all done wtf....he is the type of person you'd hope is your pilot if anything went wrong.... absolute legend.

[@acreageliving]

he owned the plane another person said. Pilot was flying Dougs plane

[@doyourownresearch7297]

his wife will-smith slapped him just before the radio call

[@jaythatguyyouknow5135]

Doug had that angry protective dad attitude and still managed to stay calm and collected the entire time. Been trying to teach my boy the importance of remaining calm when in stressful situations and I think it’s time he hears the story about how Doug was thrown into a life or death situation with an unfortunate pilot and a King Air.

[@nicksshitbro]

Hahaha I need to learn how to keep calm when my girlfriend is in one of her moods. How can I channel big Doug energy?

[@jaythatguyyouknow5135]

@@nicksshitbro breathe and remember that current moment will not last forever and no matter how bad things are, the best decisions are the ones made with a cool head.

[@nicksshitbro]

@@jaythatguyyouknow5135 youre beyond right about that. I apologized to her this morning for taking something the wrong way and she said she doesn't even remember it. Why are women bro? Just why lol

[@owls381]

@@nicksshitbro😂

[@jaythatguyyouknow5135]

@@nicksshitbro it would be easier asking your woman what she wants to eat for dinner than answering that question. With moments like that just roll with it. Better to let it ride then remind.

[@stacey7529]

I'm a flight attendant and in my training when I was in the flight deck the captain asked if I had any questions. I asked how to use the radio. I saw the air craft investigation episode where the flight crew passed out do to hypoxia and the flight attendant couldn't figure out the radio to call for help. Man this flight controller is fantastic nice, calm and reassuring.

[@sharontorgerson2556]

It would also seem that Doug's family, in the back, managed themselves, their own emotions and fears, and gave dad the maximum room to concentrate on what he had to do. I kept thinking about them as the story was unfolding....the pilot is dead, dad is trying to save their lives, and they are holding on to each other and trying not to act out any fear. Pretty amazing human excellence on the part of each one.

[@Peakfreud]

Man, the pressure & stress Doug was under with his family also. This man got nerves of steel and love for his family kept his composure

[@chipwright6193]

Imagine if his wife was flipping out in the background like Connie from Maximum Overdrive screaming "Curtis" the whole time he was trying to focus.

[@domja9389]

Thought the same exact thing.

[@Peakfreud]

@@PlasmaStorm73 I know the story, there are numerous factors. However Im more inclined to take the word of the Man and his family reasons straight from them. If the Man credits God and his family's faith, they would know, I dont think anyone or a psychologist has the liberty to say what those people felt and what contributed to calmness. They spoke for themselves.

[@devitomichael]

Was his family even aware of the drama unfolding up front? It is certainly possible that they remained unaware of the situation for the entire flight. It seems odd that no screaming woman is heard at all in the background during this entire emergency.

[@kevingarofalo8493]

WOW!! This was better than a movie! I had so many emotions just watching this and putting myself in this guys pants. As an aviation mechanic I’d like to believe I could fly and land a plane, but working on them and flying them are 2 different things. Especially never having flown one. This guy is a hero! Such a shame the pilot didn’t survive.

[@jnooney8225]

This became a movie! Starring Dennis Quaid. I think "A Wing and a Prayer"?

[@btafan11]

​@@jnooney8225It's so cringy. The best king air pilot in the world builds a simulator out of cardboard just to refresh his memory.

[@kevingarofalo8493]

@@jnooney8225 I’ll have to look for that one! Thanks

[@pepperroni4016]

Me too

[@one-eyepadidally8449]

@@jnooney8225 I didn’t realize that this took place so long ago - any idea what year?

[@snowsurfr]

When is Doug getting his own movie? Every time I hear this episode, it gets me.

[@PokèMyBalls]

*Doug did a damn good job. I couldn't imagine having my pilot dead next to me with my family's lives in my hands. But Doug stayed calm, listened, repeated instructions to verify, and owned the situation.*

[@sw01ller]

so, being a very new pilot being asked to do a land on your own is terrifying. (id guess, all i have is msfs time) now, add to that your brother passing away that week and attending his funeral, then add to that the last time you flew a plane was 18 years ago...... now add to that a dead person next to you...... then add to that your whole family in the plane....... then add to that having to talk to multiple people on the ground and getting frustrated with the situation........ now add to that that you're an absolute superstar and its all as easy as Doug made it! that was amazing.

[@howebrad4601]

I have to also add, dougs tone of voice and attempt to add humor is remarkable. He displayed tremendous courage and excellent attitude. Thats character, for sure

[@donelson52]

Wow. Tears here. Great debrief. Wonderful to hear the incredible support this pilot gets

[@Charlies1970TA]

I hope Doug views this video to see what a great job he did along with your compliments of his efforts in saving his family. Great job!

[@richardharrold4357]

Sir this is an outstanding video. Sorry for the pilot. Doug did a wonderful job getting on the ground. Family is good, bird's good. This video is a keeper for certain. Thank you.

[@ztoob8898]

It's difficult to overstate how well Doug handled his situation. Really showed the Right Stuff, there.

[@lisas2538]

During the video I had to go to the comments, to see if they made it. I was so nervous and scared I could take it. I’m so happy they made it.

[@amaraland1]

Yeah. Me, too!!

[@ar2043]

What a channel and what a content producer. I'm so glad I found you. I'm just coming back to this older video now. Only discovered you about one week ago and this is probably my favorite one so far. Phenomenal job by Doug. And the air traffic controllers. The first woman was awesome.

[@forfreedom67]

Omg, he did an amazing job. He saved his family, truly a remarkable man. Also, thanks to the air traffic controllers.

[@gmosc]

I've seen podcasts about this before but you mention that they avoided telling him the final speed to prevent him from going to that speed too early. That's a good point, and as the time went on he kept asking and they kept refusing to tell him. Thanks for pointing that out. I hadn't heard that angle before.

[@rewolff2]

... And I don't think that's the good thing to do. Doug is a good pilot. He's planning ahead. He is VERY able to understand: "The final approach speed is going to be 120, but don't slow down just yet". Doug will know this is a minimum. He slowed down below that speed just because they didn't tell him. That's dangerous. Doug WOULD have avoided that if they had told him. I still think they actually didn't know.

[@tetedur377]

@@rewolff2 They don't know that for sure. They're going on the assumption of what most people would do, which is pretty much the wrong thing at the worst possible time.

[@peterwilkins7013]

​@@rewolff2 a good pilot? He flew a Cessna or something a couple of times 18 years ago. That doesn't make you a good pilot, however he might seem at the time. ATC probably don't want him to be planning ahead - they want him concentrating on one thing that he's doing now. See what happened when he was thinking about more than one thing on the autopilot and his speed dropped?

[@lorencharnley9262]

@@peterwilkins7013 - He had around 80 hours and was a licensed pilot. Trust me - that's not just flying a couple of times. That said, I agree with the video creator and you - only giving him the necessary information each step of the way was a good move for the ATC. Because of his low-time and unfamiliarity with the King Air (which has turbo-prop engines - waaay different than a gas engine in power and throttle operation) you could see him getting task saturated several times. The speed drop when he was trying to figure out the A/P is a great example. I'm sure ATC was trying to leverage the A/P because they didn't know how much flight experience he had. But we can see, it made more sense for him to hand fly as long as he had someone to feed him the basic information. BTW - I think it's very unlikely someone with no experience or only a couple of flights gets that on the ground without mishap.

[@amunak_]

@@rewolff2 I think they should've just been honest with him: don't worry about it for now, we will tell you once you're closer and it's relevant. We want you to concentrate o flying now no matter how easy it looks. Them looking like they don't know only adds to the stress.

[@charlesalan5999]

I loved this video! Real drama! My heart was in my mouth for Doug. He did a great job.

[@b.abernathy7980]

I listened to his flight years ago, and I have never forgotten it. What a man! He survived and went on to fly for years. To say I'm impressed is an understatement.

[@srf2112]

This man was the definition of calm under extreme pressure. Some people can but many would fold.

[@suem6004]

What a man. What a man. What a mighty good man. A lot more patient and calm than I would have been.

[@janetwhitten2643]

Wow great job Doug! I was a flight attendent for 11 years so I am very interested in flying. I am so sorry the pilot died. Asking him how to use the radio was something that only God could have planned. That one thing and all your knowledge retrieval helped you to fly that airplane. God bless you and your family. Also condolences for the pilots family and GB them also.

[@dradden1556]

Doug is a hero!! Low hours plus all the stress involved. He maintained his calm ,saved the plane but most importantly,saved his family and himself . God bless him and his family. Plus the instructional flight assist controllers clear and consistent instructions. All involved . Very good job.

[@FoundingYouTuber-2005]

I read the AOPA story about this incident, which included an interview with Doug White. - The air controllers had a King Air pilot on the phone. ATC relayed the Q & A coms between the two. - Yes, the entire time of the one-hour flight Doug's wife Terry and his two teenage daughters were aware of what was going on, because almost immediately Doug yelled for his wife to come to the cockpit, where he let her know what was happening. - Doug was concerned the deceased pilot (Joe Cabuk) might slump forward against the control yoke, so he told his wife to try to remove the body from the left seat. But there was no way she could lift his more-than-200-pound body from the cockpit's cramped confines, so instead she tried to cinch his shoulder harness tight to keep the body upright. Doug then told his wife to “pray real hard” with their two teen daughters as he tried to land. - Safe on the ground Doug said about his family's conduct on the plane: "My wife was shaking the whole time. My baby squalled, and my 18-year-old threw up.” - About the deceased pilot Joe Cabuk, Doug said Joe set an excellent example. “He was a real professional pilot and a great guy. If I could be half the pilot he was I’d be tickled.”

[@hawko3582]

That was absolutely riveting. I stopped breathing as he touched down. Felt like I was in the cockpit with him. Thanks for sharing mate.

[@royb2251]

Very sad that the pilot didn’t make it . Condolences to his family. Well done Doug. Good job. Great explanation of ground control etc . Good work Sir.

[@TheExileFox]

still would have been good to know why the pilot passed away

[@chuckschillingvideos]

@@TheExileFox What possible difference could it make?

[@garyowen9044]

⁠​⁠@@TheExileFox Col Joe Cabuk, USAF (ret). Sudden Cardiac Death 12APR09.

[@michaeldenesyk3195]

I was literally on the edge of my seat with this episode. Doug saved his family. Too bad the pilot did not survive. I guess the big takeaway is that Doug asked the pilot a simple question about the radio.

[@57whizzer]

2-3 months previous

[@alantorrance6153]

That was a damned good landing for a first retractable and Twin to boot. He was so right with his, "It's not over till it's over". He was rather lucky he had had some flight time, albeit in a single engine job, so was reasonably familiar with the protocols and instruments and how to handle the controls. I have some 400 hours twin and retractable ratings, but have not flown for about 40 years. Yes, I was up there, metaphorically, flying with Doug. Marvellous job Doug!

[@denisekeary8229]

WOW - can't believe I actually got teary-eyed at the end when Doug was within a few feet of touchdown, and then I could tell he DID make touchdown and amazed at how smoothly he pulled it off. Thank God Doug was so cool-headed throughout such an ordeal with the pilot passing away and then slumping over to him near touchdown. Condolences to that pilot's family.

[@jamesoncross7494]

Holy sheeeeeeeeeeet!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was never racking. Then at the end when the piolt was slumping on the controls! Good job!!!!! Everyone did a fantastic job.

[@stevef]

Lisa the controller is the one that saved his life. The first controller was a deer in the headlights.

[@DigitalGoldAU]

She had to of been a pilot too

[@glen3257]

she was awesome! The man flying was also why they were saved. He remained calm and did what he was asked to do. Mad respect

[@Civ33]

not really a fair criticism of the controller. Doug was asking for help that the controller couldn't provide on flying the aircraft. He did the best he could to help while attending to the rest of the airspace until they got someone on who knew the aircraft and could help with the situation

[@JOHANNA-qd6iz]

Traffic controller was not pilots only a few are. If you listen you would have heard this

[@kurtamesbury6679]

Truth is, Doug probably could have done it on his own - if he'd had the autopilot / approach speed / flap /gear info. He never sounded panicked to me, he had plenty of fuel, which means plenty of time, to figure out what to do. Mostly he just sounded like he needed verification of what he already knew and aircraft-specific information.

[@vincentmoues9948]

Like a man protecting his family. He has to be calm and confedent with his children on board. Very good job sir!

[@kittykat3540]

I'm sure this man's anxiety is thru the roof but his level of courage, determination and ability to engage calmly with ATC is beyond amazing...He's quite the inspiration...

[@sethcushingmusic]

Doug sounds like an old cowboy. "Aint over till its over friend" on final approach with a dead guy in your lap is legendary

[@gantmj]

That first ATC is like trying to talk to someone in the Facebook comments section. It's like he isn't hearing a single thing Doug is saying.

[@pepperroni4016]

He's not a pilot. And was doing everything he could to connect the situation to the correct people. It's the Walmart greeter.

[@Homeside301]

He was probably trying to find someone that knew how to fly once he realized this guy didn't know the aircraft. It sounded like he initially thought he knew how to fly the plane.

[@ohnoZomBri]

In an interview he said he was desperately trying to coordinate getting Lisa Grimm out of where she was, while trying to understand an impossible situation and keep doug calm, because no one in the tower had piloting experience. He did the right thing and doug expressed his gratitude to him after “ruining his day” with an impossible situation.

[@enshk79]

Doug White is an extraordinary human being. Inspirational!!! Love how he’s not afraid to ask for help. In fact he adamantly demands it. Unbelievable mental toughness and unreal calm under life or death pressure situation.

[@wintersriding1805]

You did a phenomenal job telling this story! Thank you

[@RabbitHoleAdventures]

Agreed!

[@romanserdyuk9965]

The first thought that came to my mind after I watched this video. That’s true indeed!

[@maryhanisch9979]

An incredible story! A man with nerves of steel! I could barely watch this, it was so frightening. Bravo Doug!!!

[@bevjackson7853]

Wow what a guy and hats off to the family for not screaming and letting him just getting in with concentrating.amazing job by both air traffic controllers for such clear instructions, calm voices and perfect encouragement. Condolences to the pilots family.

[@scottcol23]

I saw the movie recently made about this flight. Called "On a wing and a prayer". Coolest part is that he went on to learn to fly, got his commercial license and actually flew that plane professionally. Cool story.

[@SierraGal]

I fell apart when he finally landed! Wow. So frightening and what a Hero! Everyone did fantastic to save their lives.

[@ambiention]

1) give him a target airspeed immediately, and inform him of the stall speed. Make sure he knows how the trim works. 2) then work on target altitude and heading once you’re confident he won’t suddenly fall out of the sky 3) inform him of weather and local terrain. 4) get a pilot/instructor talking to him directly, none of this playing telephone games with atc. An instructor can pass on atc directions, but atc can’t effectively coach him on flying. 5) don’t complicate things with radios and autopilots. Not a pilot, but I solo’d a Cessna 20 years ago. Just imagining what I’d want.

[@karmaMatters123]

I’ve watched this amazing story on multiple channels, and every time I watch it I am in disbelief at how amazing everyone was in this situation. Even the family staying calm and quiet while their dad is trying to fly and land a plane with a dead man falling on him. Other than the deceased pilot, What an amazing outcome. Now that is a dad to be proud of!

[@pamz7531]

It was terrific that Doug even remembered what to ask. In times of high pressure, people forget what they learned 18 years ago. I really do not like flying, and this is just confirmation of my feelings. I have been on big planes and little planes and I feel like I’m in one now. Doug is a hero. Bless him.

[@skipper523]

Whdn he responded about having a dead pilot next to him, I teared up. I can’t imagine having all this happen. My god, the relief he must’ve felt after turning everything off…..wow! Freaking ROCK STAR Doug!! And a true hero to your family.

[@441rider]

Unreal a human's ability when literally everything is on the line. Doug is a true hero,

[@dkgolfnut]

Absolutely love how you dissect these situations. Well done. Doug did a fantastic job in a super serious situation.

[@richardsmith4187]

wow ........ He did a wonderful job and stayed pretty calm during the whole time. A king Air is not like a single engine and requires more finesse to handle and land. Hats off for a job well done and thank you Hoover for another great video !

[@brentsummers7377]

Fantastic job by Doug. I think he knew that he had to make the King Air fly like the single engine Cessna he'd flown all those years before. But the King Air's approach speed was way faster than the Cessna. He knew that if he could get the plane slowed down, the gear down, and some flaps down, he'd make it!

[@lorencharnley9262]

Agreed - it was impressive that he was able to mostly compartmentalize his emotions until he was on the ground.

[@mtsflorida]

I remember later hearing of this when I worked as a State Trooper. Originally hired to be their Pilot in 2008 in Fort Myers/Punta Gorda.