Blinded Pilot Lands After Mid-Flight Stroke

Pilot recovering sight, but still in serious condition

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 8, 2008 4:17 PM CST

(Newser) – An amateur pilot who suffered a stroke and went blind as he flew over North England landed his plane without a scratch, the Independent reports. Jim O’Neill, 65, was initially unable to follow instructions from civilian traffic controllers, but was guided to safety by British military planes. He remains hospitalized in serious condition, but is regaining his sight, BBC notes.

“It was terrifying,” recalled O’Neill, who struggled for 45 minutes through seven attempts to land correctly. “Suddenly I couldn't see. The dials in front of me were a blur. I was helpless at the controls. I should not be alive. I owe my life, and those of dozens of people I could have crashed on” to the Royal Air Force, he said.

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The aircraft belonging to British pilot Jim O'Neill, who lost his sight mid-flight and safely landed with assistance from the Royal Air Force, is seen on the tarmac at a RAF base. (AP Photo/PA, Anna Gowthorpe)

Obeying orders to turn left or right and adjust his height and speed, Jim O'Neill made 7 attempts to maneuver his aircraft into the correct position. (Shutter Stock)

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A pilot who went blind in mid-air has thanked the Royal Air Force team who helped save his life. (skynews)

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If you were driving a car it would be bad enough, but at 14,000ft it's a whole different ball game. He thought, 'If I don't land the plane I will be dead,' but he showed incredible determination. - Douglas O'Neill, Jim O'Neill's son

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Blinded Pilot Lands After Mid-Flight Stroke