Passenger lands private plane at RDU after pilot’s medical issue

A passenger on Sunday landed a private plane at Raleigh-Durham International Airport after the pilot suffered a medical issue.

According to an RDU spokesperson, around 5 p.m., the small aircraft, a Cirrus SR-20, landed on a secondary runway near the general aviation terminal. RDU’s Airport Authority responded to the medical call and treated one person, who was transported to a local hospital.

According to RDU, all runways remained open and there was no impact on airport operations.

An incident report states the passenger took over the plane’s controls and safely landed the plane. The pilot passed away.

No one on the plane was identified, but WRAL News searched the aircraft’s tail number, which indicates the plane is registered to Joseph Izatt and Coherent Aviation.

Izatt, believed to be the pilot, is a distinguished professor at Duke University, according to the school. He served as chair within Duke’s department of biomedical engineering.

Hafeez Dhalla, a former student and research assistant who worked with Izatt, said he was an experienced pilot of 10 years. Dhalla said Izatt loved flying and died doing what he loved.

Izatt leaves behind a wife and three kids, sources tell WRAL News. A professor of engineering, his research studies the use of technology to send light into tissues, particularly inside the eyes, for diagnosing eye diseases.

According to Dhalla, Izatt was a pioneer in his field and a committed mentor to his students.

Izatt’s death was reported Monday by Duke University, and the school lowered its flags on campus on Tuesday in his honor.

Dhalla said Izatt was in good health prior to the flight. WRAL News is working to learn more about the medical emergency that Izatt suffered as well as the passenger who landed the plane.