What happened
On 30 September 2004, a BAe 146-300, registration EI-DEX, was operating a scheduled public transport flight from Dublin to Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris. While climbing through Flight Level 100, the First Officer, acting as the handling pilot, notified the Captain that he was feeling unwell. As the aircraft reached its cruising altitude of FL270, the officer's medical condition worsened.
Recognizing the emergency, the Captain declared a 'Mayday' to London Air Traffic Control, stating that the First Officer had become incapacitated and that the aircraft would return to its origin. After receiving clearance, the Captain, assisted by a cabin crew member, secured the First Officer in his seat to clear the flight controls. The Captain then landed the aircraft safely back at Dublin Airport, where medical services met the crew.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the medical cause of the incapacitation and the crew's response to the emergency. Medical evaluations performed after the landing identified that the First Officer was suffering from an upper respiratory infection. Following a review by the Irish Aviation Authority Medical Examiner, the pilot was cleared to resume flight duties after a four-day recovery period.
Findings
- The primary cause of the event was the sudden medical incapacitation of the First Officer due to an upper respiratory infection.
- The crew followed established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) effectively.
- The cabin crew member provided critical assistance by occupying the jump seat and reading checklists to support the Captain during the emergency descent and landing.