King Air B200 Lands Safely after Garmin Emergency Autoland Activation

Garmin Autoland Logs First In-service Activation

Pressurization problem led to engagement of emergency descent mode

Buffalo River Aviation King Air B200 N479BR — Buffalo River Aviation's King Air B200 N479BR was involved in the first-ever activation of Garmin's Autoland system following a pressurization problem.

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

December 23, 2025

On Saturday, Beechcraft King Air B200 N479BR landed at Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC) after the aircraft’s Garmin Autoland system was activated. This marks the first in-service activation of an Autoland-equipped airplane, although neither of the two pilots on board was incapacitated.

The King Air, managed by Buffalo River Aviation, was being operated under Part 91 on a repositioning flight from Aspen, Colorado, with only the two pilots on board. According to Buffalo River Aviation, “Climbing through 23,000 feet msl, the aircraft experienced a rapid, uncommanded loss of pressurization. As per standard procedures, the two pilots immediately put on their oxygen masks. 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 rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.