Incident Overview
On July 30, 2009, at approximately 2102 eastern daylight time, a Saab 340B, registration N452XJ, operated by Mesaba Airlines as Flight 3194, diverted to Cherry Capital Airport (KTVC) in Traverse City, Michigan, due to a medical emergency involving the sole flight attendant. The flight was a scheduled domestic passenger service under 14 CFR Part 121, operating on an instrument flight plan. Dark night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The aircraft had departed Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (KDTW) at 2018, en route to Sawyer International Airport (KSAW) near Marquette, Michigan.
Events During the Flight
According to the captain, while cruising at 20,000 feet mean sea level, several knocks were heard on the flight-deck door. As a security measure, the captain used the public-address (PA) phone to contact the cabin flight attendant. Instead, a passenger answered and reported that the flight attendant was "no longer coherent" and engaged in "numerous unusual activities." The captain instructed the passenger to assist the flight attendant to a seat and secure the service cart blocking the aisle. He then notified air traffic control of the diversion due to a medical emergency. Before landing, the captain coordinated with a passenger to ensure all occupants were seated with seatbelts fastened. The landing was uneventful, and paramedics along with local law enforcement met the aircraft.
Flight Attendant Medical Evaluation
The flight attendant was transported to a local emergency room for evaluation. Medical records from the treatment indicated a diagnosis of "Acute anxiety/delirium of uncertain etiology, resolved while in ER." The records did not mention any pre-existing medical or psychiatric conditions. Additionally, a "Post-job offer medical history questionnaire" completed by the flight attendant on September 10, 2008, as required by the airline prior to beginning duties, also noted no pre-existing conditions.
Regulatory Context
Federal regulations required a single flight attendant for this flight. No medical standards for flight attendants are stipulated by federal regulations.
Occupant Status
All 2 pilots, 1 cabin flight attendant, and 30 passengers were uninjured.