Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Samantha Hayes and Jed Boal ReportingJack Francis was having a heart attack when he landed his plane on a road with no airport in sight, saving the lives of his wife and two friends.
"His motto was 'Whatever it takes,' and I believe he did whatever it took to get us back on the ground."
When Jacks Francis had to land this plane, his heart was not steady, but his hands were.
Johnny Singh, Passenger in plane: "You could tell, in dire straits, sweat rolling down his neck. When he turned to look, he was chalky white, just sweatin."
Francis was having a heart attack and the Brigham City airport was too far away. He landed on State Highway 30 in Park Valley.
Johnny Singh: "Just saved my life, my wife Marsha's. And I couldn't extend him the same courtesy. I guess I need to apologize, I couldn't help him."
A day earlier Francis was flying with his son when a friend asked...
Brett Francis/Son: "What if you had a heart attack out here. He said, 'I'll just land the plane on the road and we'll be fine.'"
If you were good friends with Jack Francis, chances are, like Johnny Singh, you probably flew with him. As flight instructor Wayne Larson will tell you, safety was his priority.
Wayne Larsen, Flight instructor: "He took a lot of pride in his flying and spent a lot of time practicing, in particular his landings. So he was proficient at them."
That proficiency with landings paid off.
Wayne Larsen/ Flight instructor: "Right in the middle of the road. Smooth three-point landing. I think his goal was to get the plane on the ground, and he did a great job of that."
Francis was also diligent in the management of his trucking company.
John Wall, Service manager: "Self made. Came from nothing to where he is today."
Folks who worked for Francis say he was hardworking and proud of his business. He was the first one there every morning and the last one to leave.
John Wall: "I looked forward to a future with him until he retired or I did. Guess that's not going to happen."
A future with a seventh grandchild on the way was something his family was looking forward to as well.
Marsha Francis, Wife: "The comfort I have, the Lord was with us to get me down safely, helping."
Jack Francis leaves behind his wife, Marsha, their six sons, and six grandchildren, plus one on the way.
The family is accepting donations. If you'd like to donate, it can be made in his name at any Bank of Utah branch.
Chopper Five Pilot Fritz Holly told us this evening just how difficult it would be to land an aircraft in the middle of a medical emergency.
He says pilots don't train specifically for that. But potential emergencies are always in the back of their minds, especially if they have passengers on board.
Fritz Holly/Chopper 5 Pilot: "Who knows what was going through the pilot's mind right then. Did he know he was having a heart attack? He had the presence of mind to know, I've got to get this thing on the ground."
Holly says to land a plane while having a heart attack was an example of great skill.
