SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Authorities say an American Airlines flight from Phoenix to Boston has been diverted to Syracuse, N.Y., after the captain became ill and later died.
Airline spokesman Andrea Huguely said Flight 550 was diverted shortly after 7 a.m. Monday and the first officer safely landed the plane. She confirmed that the flight's captain had died.
Details of the medical emergency and the identity of the deceased pilot weren't immediately released. It also wasn't immediately clear when the pilot died.
Before the flight landed at Syracuse, the first officer called the airport tower and said "American 550. Medical emergency. Captain is incapacitated." He requested a runway to land and said there were 154 passengers on board.
The plane later completed its leg to Boston.