Buffalo River Aviation

History

2025: Self emergency landing of aircraft without human involvement

On December 27, 2025, the board, owned by the Buffalo River Aviation charter company, made a successful landing on autopilot without direct human control. The event took place at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomfield, Colorado, United States. This is the first such case in the history of aviation.

The incident occurred after taking off from Aspen Airport. When climbing about 7 thousand meters, there was a rapid depressurization of the cabin. The crew, following standard procedures, used oxygen masks, Buffalo River Aviation CEO Chris Townsley said. Garmin avionics installed on the aircraft automatically activated emergency descent mode and Autoland function. The system independently selected the appropriate airport, conducted navigation and maintained communication.

𝓲

Фото: Larry Englisano/AVBrief

Company representatives Garmin confirmed the activation of Autoland. According to Townsley, the pilots deliberately provided control to the system, guided by a conservative risk assessment in an abnormal situation.

Aviation journalist Larry Anglisano explained that Autoland is a backup system. Its task is to ensure a safe landing if the aircraft is serviceable, but the pilot cannot control it. Anglisano clarified that the algorithm is able to independently determine the condition of the pilot, choose an airport with a sufficient runway length, build a route taking into account weather conditions and land.

Flight instructor Adam Landy, who watched on, claims airspace in the airport area was closed to other flights for about an hour at the time of the incident.

The plane returned safely to its location the next day, Townsley said. The company thanked the crew for their professional actions, as well as the staff of the Denver airport and control room for their support.^[1]

Notes