Piché is best known for performing a deadstick landing of an Airbus A330 ( C-GITS ) in the Azores in 2001 . He glided the Airbus A330 longer than any commercial aircraft in history , and landed at an airport on a remote island with limited navigation instruments . He was able to successfully land the plane ( with only 8 blown tires ) with only a few injuries among the crew and 306 passengers . In a response to a reporter 's question regarding heroism , Mr. Piché stated '' I do n't consider myself a hero , sir . I could have done without this . '' Canada 's other successful landing of a fuel-starved aircraft was Air Canada Flight 143 ( the " Gimli Glider " ) in 1983 , and '' Vanity Fair '' mentioned Piché 's flight when it covered the successful water landing of US Airways Flight 1549
Gimli Glider
Gimli Glider
Robert Piché