In a dramatic aerial accident uncovered in a current report, a Lufthansa flight from Seville to Frankfurt flew for nearly 10 minutes with no pilot on the helm when the co-pilot skilled unconsciousness whereas being alone within the cockpit. The mid-air disaster occurred on February 17, 2024, and was disclosed via a report by the Spanish air accident investigation authority CIAIAC, quoted by the German information service dpa on Saturday.
As per the investigation, the Airbus A321 with 199 passengers and 6 crew members was in cruise when the co-pilot misplaced consciousness. The captain had been out of the cockpit for a short time to take care of his wants on the restroom. The plane was managed via autopilot throughout the essential window, which enabled it to nonetheless fly steadily even with no vigilant pilot.
The next flight information recorder confirmed uncommon sounds within the cockpit, which matched a sudden medical situation, supporting additional that the co-pilot was incapacitated.
A number of Makes an attempt To Re-Enter Cockpit
Upon touchdown, the captain made 5 makes an attempt to re-enter the cockpit via the usual entry code, which makes a buzzer for the occupant inside to open. Getting no reply, a cabin attendant additionally tried to name the co-pilot via the cabin intercom.
Lastly. The captain employed an emergency override code to open the cockpit door himself. Moments earlier than the door would have routinely opened by itself, the sick co-pilot unlocked it from inside, and the captain was capable of get again in command.
Emergency Diversion To Madrid
The co-pilot remained unwell, and the captain determined to land the aircraft in Madrid, the place paramedics have been awaiting. The co-pilot was taken on to a hospital for remedy.
Lufthansa instructed dpa it was conscious of the CIAIAC probe and had additionally carried out an inner overview via its flight security division, although the airline didn’t reveal its outcomes.
The incident is a trigger for concern concerning cockpit safety procedures and medical surveillance of flight crews, though no passenger was harmed, and the flight safely landed.
The total report by CIAIAC is prone to embrace extra suggestions to keep away from related incidents sooner or later.