Pilot Who Died On Boston Flight Likely Had Heart Attack, Wife Says

BOSTON (CBS) - The American Airlines pilot who died Monday on a flight to Boston passed away from natural causes, according to an autopsy.

However, his wife said he had a history of heart problems and most likely had a heart attack.

Michael Johnston, 57, of West Jordan, Utah, was the captain of American flight 550, a red-eye flight from Phoenix to Boston.

The co-pilot took over the flight after Johnston got sick and landed the Airbus A320 in Syracuse.

But when medics boarded the plane, Johnston was dead.

His wife Betty Jean said Johnston had double bypass surgery in 2006.

"The coroner has called me. He said that it was 99.9% positive it was a heart attack," she told KUTV.

"As far as we knew, (he was) in perfect health when he left yesterday. He seemed perfectly fine."

"All of us at American extend our condolences to Mike's wife, Betty Jean, and to his entire family. They have lost a husband and father, and many of you have lost a personal friend," American Airlines CEO Doug Parker said in a statement.

"Taking care of Mike's family is our focus now, and I know you'll join me in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers."

The Federal Aviation Administration said only six commercial airline pilots have died in mid-flight since 1994.