KJZZ is a service of Rio Salado College,
and Maricopa Community Colleges

Copyright © 2025 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Pilot Dies On American Airlines Flight From Phoenix

A flight from Phoenix to Boston had to be diverted Monday morning after authorities said a pilot became ill and later died.

American Airlines flight 550 from Phoenix was diverted to Syracuse, New York, shortly after 7 a.m.

An airline spokeswoman said the co-pilot safely landed the plane with 147 passengers and five crew members onboard.

Details of the medical emergency and the deceased pilot’s name weren't immediately released. It also wasn't clear if the pilot died on the plane or after landing.

Stina Sieg was a senior field correspondent at KJZZ from 2013 to 2018.