The pilot of a smallish plane slumped down unconscious. A passenger who claimed to have no experience took over the controls and safety landed.
I couldn't have done it.
I'd like to think that I could have done it, as
(a) I'm not the sort to get easily flustered ; and
(b) the theory of landing an aircraft (when there are no complicating factors, such as crosswinds) is actually remarkably simple.
Communication between the instructor on the ground and the impromptu pilot was carried out by mobile phone, and therefore not recorded, but the initial contact between the plane and the tower is worth a listen:
Yes I probably could. I have a PPL (long probably lapsed) which I gained via a "Flying Scholarship" when a member of the Air Training Corps. I also gained a gliding certificate whilst a member and had a part share in a glider for about ten years. I piloted a glider for the first time in many, many years a couple of years ago (with a qualified instructor). I had control immediately after release from the tug and landed the aircraft after a flight of about 45 mins.
So yes, I'd probably manage in the situation provided somebody told me where all the knobs were.