An aircraft’s emergency self-landing system was activated for the first time after communication was lost with air traffic control. Audio recording from inside the plane, obtained by LiveATC.net, has been released, where an automated voice announced an “emergency auto landing” due to “pilot incapacitation”. The Beechcraft Super King Air plane landed at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Colorado on Saturday 20 December after activating its emergency self-guided system.

According to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the two people on board “lost communication with air traffic control” and “an onboard emergency Autoland system was activated.” A spokesperson for Garmin confirmed to PEOPLE this was the “first activation and landing” of the company’s Autoland system. 

The company’s website states that the Autoland system “directs the aircraft to a suitable airport nearby”. Factors affecting the location of the landing include weather, terrain, approach, runway and aircraft stability.

The system is meant to be used in “emergency situations only”, according to Garmin, and when the “pilot is fully capable of landing”.

Buffalo River Aviation says the Beechcraft Super King Air plane experienced “a rapid, uncommanded loss of pressurization,” CBS Colorado reports. 

CEO Chris Townsley said: “As per standard procedures, the two pilots immediately put on their oxygen masks.” 

He continued: “The aircraft, equipped with Garmin Aviation’s latest Emergency Descent Mode (EDM) and Autoland systems, automatically engaged exactly as designed when the cabin altitude exceeded the prescribed safe levels. 

“The system selected a suitable airport per Garmin criteria (KBJC, Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport), navigated to it, and communicated automatically along the way.”

The plane, operated by Buffalo River Aviation, was due to fly to Denver after departing from Aspen’s airport at 1:45pm local time. 

However, the aircraft landed at around 2:20pm at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport instead. 

The North Metro Fire Rescue District in Broomfield, Colorado, confirmed the incident in a statement on X. 

The authority wrote: “Upon arrival, Engine 65 established incident command, and all units stood by as the aircraft landed safely.

 “It’s unclear at this time why the plane’s emergency system was activated. No patients were treated on scene or transported to local hospitals.”