Frankfurt to Seville Flight Spends 10 Minutes Without a Pilot After First Officer Collapses
A Lufthansa flight spent approximately 10 minutes without a pilot when the first officer suddenly collapsed while alone in the cockpit, according to an investigation report released in early 2024.
The incident occurred during a February flight from Frankfurt, Germany to Seville, Spain, aboard an Airbus A321. The captain left the flight deck to use the bathroom, leaving the first officer alone in the cockpit. Upon his return, the captain found himself unable to re-enter the cockpit.
Investigators later confirmed that the first officer, aged 38, had lost consciousness due to a seizure disorder triggered by a neurological condition. The incident came to light when Spanish investigators published their final report on Thursday.
A Dangerous Situation Unfolds
With around 30 minutes remaining in the flight, the captain briefly left the cockpit to visit the bathroom. He described the first officer as being in good condition before he left. However, upon returning eight minutes later, the captain was unable to access the cockpit, as the door was locked.
The captain attempted to enter the cockpit five times using the regular access code, but received no response. A flight attendant tried to contact the first officer via the intercom with no success. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, the captain used the emergency access code to open the door.
When the captain finally entered the cockpit, the first officer was described as “pale, sweating, and moving strangely.” The captain immediately called for help, and a doctor traveling as a passenger, along with cabin crew, administered first aid to the first officer.
Medical Condition and Recovery
The first officer was then taken to the hospital after landing at Madrid, the nearest airport. The final report confirmed that the first officer’s sudden and severe incapacitation was caused by a seizure disorder linked to a previously undetected neurological condition. This medical condition was difficult to detect, as it would only have shown up in a medical exam if the symptoms had occurred at the time or had been present in the past.
Safety Recommendations and Airline Response
The Spanish aviation regulator has recommended that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) inform all airlines about this incident to reassess the risks of allowing one pilot to be left alone in the cockpit. This could prompt a reevaluation of pilot safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
In response to the incident, Lufthansa declined to comment when contacted by Business Insider.
This close call highlights the importance of strict cockpit safety procedures, particularly when only one pilot is present, and the need for airline protocols to ensure quick and effective responses in the event of unexpected medical emergencies during flight.
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=Lufthansa, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/safety/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com