What happened
On 28 January 2008, a Boeing 767-333, registration C-FMXC, was operating a scheduled international service from Toronto to London Heathrow. During the North Atlantic crossing, the flight commander observed increasingly erratic and uncharacteristic behavior from the First Officer. The crew member had arrived for duty under significant time pressure and had expressed extreme fatigue.
As the flight progressed, the First Officer’s behavior deteriorated from disjointed communication to a state of belligerence and unresponsiveness. After the First Officer failed to follow standard procedures for re-entering the flight deck and refused to secure his seatbelt, the commander determined that the pilot was effectively incapacitated. To maintain flight safety, the commander directed the cabin crew to physically remove the First Officer from the cockpit area.
Upon reaching the MALOT oceanic reporting point, the commander issued a PAN distress call to Shannon ATC, notifying them of a medical emergency and that the aircraft was operating with a single pilot. The commander then requested assistance from a cabin attendant who held a commercial pilot's license to occupy the right-hand seat for the remainder of the flight. The aircraft diverted to Shannon Airport, landing safely without further incident.
The investigation
The AAIU investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the pilot's medical crisis and the subsequent management of the flight deck. Investigators examined the crew's actions, the medical state of the First Officer, and the effectiveness of the emergency response. The investigation noted that the First Officer had been experiencing confusion and disorientation, a condition confirmed by medical professionals on board the aircraft. The inquiry also reviewed the licensing and qualifications of the crew, including the cabin attendant who assisted during the descent.
Findings
- The primary cause of the emergency was the incapacitation of the First Officer due to an unknown medical condition.
- The commander effectively utilized Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles to manage the incapacitated crew member and maintain control of the aircraft.
- The cabin crew played a vital role in assisting the commander and facilitating the safe diversion.
- The decision to divert to the nearest suitable aerodrome was a prudent response to the medical emergency.
- All flight crew members were properly licensed for the operation.