Pilot dies at controls of US-bound passenger jet

WASHINGTON - A Continental airlines pilot died at the controls of a plane en route from Brussels to Newark, New Jersey, Thursday, according to media reports.

CNN quoted a statement from Continental that the 61-year-old captain of the flight died of natural causes while piloting the plane carrying 247 passengers.

The two first officers onboard who have extensive experience flying the Boeing 777, were preparing to land the plane in Newark, WABC-TV reported.