What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on null involved a aircraft, registration OE-LFK, at IE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The commander experienced a sudden medical episode that rendered him unconscious, necessitating an emergency landing by the co-pilot.

Pilot Incapacitation During Scheduled Flight to Dublin

A co-pilot successfully landed a Fokker 70 after the commander became unconscious during a scheduled passenger service into Dublin Airport.

What happened

On 22 July 1999, a Fokker 70, registration OE-LFK, was operating a scheduled public transport flight from Vienna to Dublin. While the aircraft was positioned at the 'Rokna' holding point northeast of Dublin Airport, the co-pilot observed that the commander had suddenly slumped forward against the flight controls and appeared to be unconscious.

Upon realizing the commander was incapacitated, the co-pilot immediately assumed control of the aircraft. To prevent the commander's body from interfering with the flight controls, the two cabin crew members assisted in sliding the pilot's seat rearward. The commander remained secured in his seat throughout the remainder of the flight. The co-pilot declared a medical emergency to Dublin Air Traffic Control, requesting priority landing and medical assistance.

Following radar vectors from ATC, the aircraft landed at Dublin Airport at approximately 1115 hours. Once the aircraft had vacated the runway and come to a halt, emergency services and a medical doctor boarded the plane. The commander regained consciousness shortly after landing and was transported to Beaumount Hospital for evaluation, where he was discharged later that day.

The investigation

The investigation, conducted by the AAIU, focused on the sequence of events leading to the commander's sudden loss of consciousness and the subsequent emergency procedures. The inquiry reviewed information provided by the Dublin Airport ATC Watch Manager, the aircraft incident report filed by the co-pilot, and findings from the field investigation.

Findings

The primary cause of the emergency was the sudden medical incapacitation of the commander.
The co-pilot demonstrated high levels of professionalism and skill in managing the aircraft and the emergency situation.
The cabin crew played a vital role in assisting the co-pilot by moving the commander's seat to clear the flight controls.
No injuries were sustained by the 45 passengers or the 5 crew members on board, and the aircraft sustained no damage.
At the time of the incident, the commander possessed an ATPL with 3,019 total flying hours, 2,300 of which were on this aircraft type.