Jetliner lands safely after pilot dies

(CNN) -- Continental Flight 61, whose pilot died midflight, has landed safely at Newark International Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
The agency said the plane landed at 11:49 a.m. ET.

The plane was flying from Brussels, Belgium, to Newark, New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration and Continental Airlines said.

Continental said the 61-year-old Newark-based pilot died "apparently of natural causes." The pilot had 21 years of service with Continental, the airline said.

The airline said the crew on the flight included an additional relief pilot who took the place of the deceased man.

The Boeing 777 was carrying 247 passengers, Continental said.

Further details were not immediately available.

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/COA61
Aircraft
Boeing 777-200 (twin-jet) (B772/W)
Origin
Brussels Natl (EBBR - track or info)
Destination
Newark Liberty Intl (KEWR - track or info)

Route
DENUT UL610 LAM UL10 BPK UN601 LESTA UP6 RODOL UM65 TENSO

UL603 REMSI UP6 NELBO UN551 TADEX UN551 NIBOG PIKIL

5700N 02000W 5700N 03000W 5700N 04000W 5600N 05000W SCROD VALIE N250F COVAN

HANAA ALB V213 WEETS V213 FLOSI V213 SAX

Date
Thursday, Jun 18, 2009

Duration
7 hours 29 minutes

Actual/Estimated

Scheduled 10:06 Arrival 12:02

Departure 10:06 Arrival 11:35