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An American Airlines pilot died during a flight from Phoenix to Boston Monday morning, leaving his co-pilot to make an emergency landing in Syracuse, officials said.

The 147 passengers aboard AA550 had no idea what was happening in the cockpit once their plane started veering toward upstate New York, passenger Louise Anderson told the Daily News.

"It was a smooth landing," she said. "The staff seemed a little frazzled, but they handled it professionally. Some people were annoyed because it had been such a long flight and now we were delayed more. But no one was worried."

Only after the passengers boarded another Boston-bound plane, with a replacement crew, did they learn of their fallen pilot: Captain Michael Johnston.

The 57-year-old pilot based out of Phoenix, Ariz., fell ill during Monday’s flight and died, American Airlines CEO Doug Parker announced in a memo to employees.

His death does not appear to be suspicious, authorities said.

His wife, Betty Jean Johnston, posted to her husband’s Facebook page hours after his sudden death to announce his passing.

“Betty Jean would like everyone (to) know that Mike passed away this morning doing what he loved most, flying a plane to New York,” she wrote.