Casualties unknown

Captain Incapacitated During Flight, Emergency Landing at Boise (N785NC)

Boise, ID, US

On December 2, 1982, a Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-51 (registration N785NC) operated by Republic Airlines, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Boise, ID. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N785NC
Aircraft registered N785NC. Photo: Cory W. Watts from Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Shortly after departure from Denver, the captain exhibited unusual movements and later stiffened, pressing the rudder pedal. He was removed from his seat and the first officer landed the aircraft in Boise. Medical tests indicated myocardial infarction.

Incident Sequence

After departure from Denver, during climbout, the first officer observed the captain twitch and inquired about his well-being. The captain replied that he was fine but put on his oxygen mask at the suggestion of the first officer. Approximately twenty minutes later, while the aircraft was descending through 10,000 feet on approach to Boise, the captain's body stiffened. His left foot applied pressure to the left rudder pedal.

Intervention

A flight attendant and a passenger intervened by moving the captain from his seat to the floor. The first officer assumed control, declared an emergency, and continued to fly the approach. The landing was completed without any additional issues.

Aftermath

Upon arrival, an ambulance was waiting and transported the captain to a hospital for evaluation. Tests, including an EKG and blood chemistry analysis, showed results consistent with myocardial infarction.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X05142. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.