Doug White (aviator)

Doug White (c. 1953) is an American aviator and pharmacist.[1][2] In 2009, he became known for successfully landing a plane-where he and his wife and children were passengers-right after its pilot, Joe Cabuk, died.[3][4][5][6] His story served as the basis for the 2023 film On a Wing and a Prayer, where White was portrayed by Dennis Quaid.[7][8]

White received his pilot's license in 1990, but had no experience flying a King Air at the time in 2009.[9][10][11][12] He is married to Terri and they have two daughters, Maggie and Bailey.[13][14] He is from Archibald, Louisiana.[15] As of 2023, he resides in DeRidder, Louisiana and is the owner of a car wash.[16]

  1. ^ Weiss, Abby (April 24, 2023). "The true story behind CT pilots' 'Easter miracle' featured in Amazon's 'On a Wing and a Prayer'". CT Insider. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  2. ^ "Passenger lands plane after pilot dies in mid-air". The Telegraph. April 14, 2009. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  3. ^ Hirschman, Dave (April 14, 2009). "Unintentional King Air pilot: An interview with Doug White". Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  4. ^ Trautvetter, Chad (April 14, 2009). "Pilot Passenger Lands King Air after Pilot Dies". Aviation International News. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  5. ^ Phelps, Mark (November 11, 2021). "Low-time Single-engine Pilot Saves King Air; and His Family". Flying. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  6. ^ Yang, Carter (March 19, 2010). "Amateur Pilot Guided by Hero Controllers". CBS News. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  7. ^ Netzley, Sara (February 21, 2023). "Dennis Quaid is a real-life passenger forced to land a plane in On a Wing and a Prayer first look". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  8. ^ Welk, Brian (January 27, 2021). "Dennis Quaid to Star as Hero Passenger Who Landed Plane in MGM's 'On a Wing and a Prayer'". TheWrap. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  9. ^ Armario, Christine (April 13, 2009). "Passenger Lands Plane After Pilot Dies". The Ledger. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  10. ^ Miguel-Navarro, Tracy X. (December 31, 2009). "Whatever happened to? Man who took over when pilot died takes to the air again". Naples Daily News. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  11. ^ "Man lands plane after pilot dies". BBC News. April 14, 2009. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  12. ^ "Passenger lands plane after pilot dies". NBC News. April 13, 2009. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  13. ^ Van Buren, Erica (April 6, 2023). "Amazon debuts film inspired by Christian family's harrowing encounter after Marco visit". Naples Daily News. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  14. ^ Cockrell, Calvin (March 20, 2023). "Christian family inspired new movie 'On a Wing and a Prayer'". The Christian Chronicle. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  15. ^ "< How A Pilot's Death Created Heroes". NPR. March 21, 2010. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  16. ^ Moreau, Jade (April 5, 2023). "Movie featuring DeRidder man's bravery available to stream now". KPLC. Retrieved November 16, 2024.