Experienced Passenger Pilot Assists During Mid-Atlantic Medical Emergency

Casualties unknown • IE

A Boeing 747 crew diverted to Dublin after a First Officer became incapacitated due to sudden illness during a transatlantic flight.

What happened

On 19 November 2012, a scheduled passenger flight operated by a Boeing 747-430, registration D-ABVH, was en route from Newark to Frankfurt when the First Officer began experiencing significant health issues. While crossing the North Atlantic, the First Officer initially reported fatigue, prompting the Commander to take over the pilot flying duties to allow the crew member to rest. However, the situation escalated as the officer developed severe dizziness, a headache, and vomiting.

After medical professionals on board examined the First Officer, they determined he was unfit for duty and required hospital treatment. To manage the medical emergency, the Commander consulted International SOS and decided to divert the aircraft to Dublin. Because the incident left the cockpit with only one qualified pilot, the Commander utilized the cabin crew to search for assistance among the passengers. They successfully located an experienced captain from another airline traveling on the flight. After verifying the passenger's credentials, the Commander permitted him to assist with cockpit duties, specifically performing pilot monitoring tasks during the descent and approach.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the management of the crew incapacitation and the subsequent diversion. Investigators examined the medical progression of the First Officer and the decision-making process regarding the diversion to Dublin. The inquiry also reviewed the use of the passenger pilot to maintain safe flight operations during the emergency landing.

Findings

  • The First Officer became increasingly ill during the flight, eventually becoming incapacitated and unable to perform flight deck duties.
  • The Commander effectively utilized Crew Resource Management (CRM) by identifying and recruiting a qualified pilot from the passenger manifest to assist with the workload.
  • The passenger pilot, an experienced captain of a Boeing 767, provided adequate assistance despite the difference in aircraft size and engine count.
  • The diversion to Dublin was executed safely, with the aircraft making an uneventful landing on Runway 10.

Probable cause

The sudden medical incapacitation of the First Officer necessitated an emergency diversion and the recruitment of an off-duty pilot from the passenger cabin to maintain safe cockpit operations.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the null aircraft accident near IE?

A Boeing 747 crew diverted to Dublin after a First Officer became incapacitated due to sudden illness during a transatlantic flight.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on null involved a aircraft, registration D-ABVH, at IE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The sudden medical incapacitation of the First Officer necessitated an emergency diversion and the recruitment of an off-duty pilot from the passenger cabin to maintain safe cockpit operations.

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