What happened
On 13 September 2002, a scheduled flight operated by a Boeing 737-800, registration EI-CSZ, departed Charleroi Airport (CRL) for Stansted, UK. Shortly after takeoff, the First Officer noticed the Captain had become unresponsive and appeared physically distressed. Recognizing a pilot incapacitation event, the First Officer took control of the aircraft, engaged the autopilot, and declared an emergency with Brussels ATC, requesting an immediate return to Charleroi.
During the descent, the cabin crew assisted by providing therapeutic oxygen to the Captain. Upon landing safely on runway 25, the crew utilized the expertise of a physician and his wife, who were passengers on the flight. The medical team performed intensive resuscitation efforts, including manual ventilation and cardiac massage, alongside airport and local emergency services. After approximately 30 minutes of intensive efforts and successful defibrillation, the Captain regained a pulse and was transported to a hospital in critical condition.
The investigation
The AAIU investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the Captain' and the effectiveness of the emergency response. The inquiry examined the flight records, the medical history of the Captain, and the actions taken by the crew and medical professionals on board. The investigation also reviewed the availability of medical equipment and the training status of the cabin crew.
Findings
- The Captain suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during the climb phase of the flight.
- The First Officer followed all established safety and emergency procedures for pilot incapacitation, effectively managing the aircraft's return to the airport.
- The medical intervention provided by the doctors on board, combined with the rapid response of ground emergency services, was instrumental in the Captain's survival.
- The lack of an automated external defibrillator (AED) on board limited the immediate medical response during the flight.
- A lack of coordination between the airline's training and in-flight service departments resulted in a cabin crew member being rostered for duties for which they had not yet completed specific upgrade training.
Safety action
- The investigation recommended that the airline improve coordination between its Training and In-flight Service departments to ensure all rostered personnel are fully qualified for their assigned duties.
- Recommendations were made to ICAO regarding the standardization of carrying and training for the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) across all carriers.