A chilling emergency unfolded in the skies when an American Airlines captain collapsed and died mid-flight, triggering a desperate call for help that was captured in radio transmissions now circulating online.

The plane, flying at cruising altitude, suddenly veered off routine communication when the first officer radioed in: “We need medical, the captain is unresponsive in the cockpit.” The tower responded swiftly, but by then it was too late. Despite emergency medical teams being dispatched to meet the plane on landing, the captain could not be revived.

Passengers were unaware until after landing, as the crew managed to maintain calm and continue the flight under emergency protocols. But what’s most haunting is the raw audio now available — revealing the emotion and urgency as the co-pilot fought to maintain control and get assistance.

This incident isn’t the first in a troubling pattern. In the past year alone, multiple commercial pilots have reportedly suffered sudden medical episodes while flying. Some blame stress. Others are asking harder questions.