Pilot was not incapacitated during first Garmin Autoland use

The pilot was not incapacitated when a Super King Air 200 used Garmin Aviation's Emergency Descent Mode (EDM) and Autoland system on Dec. 20 at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC). Buffalo River Aviation, the operator of the aircraft, informed Globalair.com that the system automatically engaged when the aircraft experienced a rapid, uncommanded loss of pressurization while climbing through 23,000 feet MSL. The two pilots decided to leave the system engaged due to instrument meteorological conditions, mountainous terrain, active icing conditions and the unknown reason for loss of pressure. They continued monitor its performance and were ready to take manual control of the aircraft if there was any malfunction. Both attempted to communicate with ATC within the system's constraints.The company told Globalair.com that the pilot was not incapacitated and the reports were from the emergency system's automated communication and reporting. No one was injured and the aircraft returned home the following day without incident. RELATED STORIES: Garmin Autoland used for first time in emergency landing in Colorado Garmin Autoland and Autothrottle certified for King Air 350 retrofit installation Garmin International announces G5000 PRIME integrated flight deck Buffalo River Aviation states that it is grateful to pilots for prioritizing life and a safe outcome and to BJC and Denver Center Tracon personnel for their help during the event.