Incident Overview
During a cruise flight, the first officer informed the captain that he was feeling unwell. The captain assumed control of the aircraft. After some time, the first officer reported feeling better and resumed flying duties. Approximately 30 minutes later, the symptoms recurred. The captain again took over control and declared an emergency. The aircraft was diverted to Abilene, Texas.
Medical Emergency
While the airplane was being diverted, a passenger initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the first officer. Despite these efforts, the first officer was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Autopsy Findings
An autopsy protocol listed ischemic heart disease as the cause of death. A Federal Air Surgeon noted evidence of an old myocardial infarction and a high probability of a recent myocardial infarction.