Casualties unknown

Captain Incapacitated by Kidney Stone During Cruise, Second-in-Command Lands Uneventfully (N900KC)

Chamblee, GA, US

On April 21, 1997, a British Aerospace 125-800A (registration N900KC) was involved in an aviation accident near Chamblee, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: physical impairmant of the captain during flight, which was the resulted of a kidney stone. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A captain experienced physical discomfort at FL 390, left the cockpit, and the second-in-command completed the flight to the destination. The captain later passed a kidney stone.

Incident Overview

According to the captain's report, the aircraft was in cruise flight at flight level 390 when the captain began to experience physical discomfort. The aircraft was over the vicinity of Asheville, North Carolina, at the time. Unable to continue his cockpit duties, the captain left the flight deck and proceeded to the passenger cabin.

Flight Continuation

As the aircraft was approaching the descent point for its intended destination, the second-in-command assumed full control and continued the flight. The aircraft proceeded to the destination, where an uneventful landing was made.

Medical Outcome

The captain reported that later that evening, he passed a kidney stone. No further medical issues were noted, and the flight operations were not affected beyond the captain's temporary incapacitation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Apr 1997 British Aerospace 125-800A accident near Chamblee, GA?

A captain experienced physical discomfort at FL 390, left the cockpit, and the second-in-command completed the flight to the destination. The captain later passed a kidney stone.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Apr 1997 involved a British Aerospace 125-800A, registration N900KC, at Chamblee, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

physical impairmant of the captain during flight, which was the resulted of a kidney stone.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07661. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.