What happened
Shortly after departing Denver, the crew of a commercial airliner encountered a critical medical situation involving the captain. The first officer observed the captain exhibiting twitching movements and immediately inquired about his well-being. Although the captain verbally confirmed he was okay, he donned his oxygen mask at the suggestion of the co-pilot as a precautionary measure.
Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, while the aircraft was descending through 10,000 feet and approaching Boise, the captain's condition deteriorated rapidly. He stiffened with his left foot pressing against the left rudder pedal. A stewardess and a passenger assisted in removing the captain from his seat and laying him on the floor of the cockpit.
The first officer declared an emergency and continued the approach to the airport. The aircraft landed without further incident. An ambulance was waiting on the ground to transport the captain to a hospital for medical evaluation.
Findings
Medical tests, including EKG and blood chemistry analysis, revealed results compatible with a myocardial infarction. The first officer successfully managed the emergency procedures and completed the landing safely despite the incapacitation of the captain.