American Airlines pilot dies during US flight

The pilot became ill during the flight from Phoenix to Boston with 147 passengers on board

NEW YORK: An American Airlines pilot become ill and died during a flight from Phoenix to Boston Monday but the co-pilot was able to safely land the plane, the US carrier said.

The aircraft, an Airbus A320 with 147 passengers and a five-member crew on board, was diverted to Syracuse Hancock International Airport in New York state.

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"Unfortunately, our pilot passed away. We are incredibly saddened by this event, and we are focused on caring for our pilot's family and colleagues," American Airlines said in a statement.

American did not provide any details on the cause of death. Flight 550 left Phoenix, Arizona at 11:55 pm local time and landed in Syracuse at 7:13 am local time.

A replacement crew was sent to Syracuse to shuttle the passengers to Boston.