What happened
On January 8, 2014, a SpiceJet Boeing 737-800, registration VT-SZD, was operating a scheduled flight from Mumbai to Hyderabad with 144 passengers and six crew members on board. While the initial stages of the flight were routine, the pilot-in-command (PIC) began experiencing significant neck pain that morning. During the flight, the physical demands of operating the aircraft controls aggravated this pain, prompting the pilot to self-medicate with an over-the-counter painkiller.
During the descent into Hyderabad, the pilot experienced a sudden medical crisis characterized by blurred vision and partial hearing loss. Recognizing the severity of his condition, the pilot informed the first officer of his symptoms and the medication he had taken. He instructed the first officer to take control of the aircraft, execute an auto-land, and request medical assistance from Air Traffic Control (ATC) for arrival at Hyderabad. The first officer successfully performed the automated landing, and the aircraft arrived without damage or injuries to the 144 passengers or crew.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation focused on the medical circumstances and the crew's adherence to emergency protocols. Investigators found that the pilot had failed to report his morning neck pain during his pre-flight medical check. Furthermore, the investigation examined the actions taken by the first officer following the pilot's incapacitation. While the aircraft landed safely, the investigation noted that the first officer did not follow the airline's established procedures for crew incapacitation, such as notifying the cabin crew in-charge or formally declaring an emergency to ATC.
Findings
- The primary cause of the pilot's incapacitation was a reaction to an unprescribed painkiller taken by the pilot.
- The pilot did not disclose his existing neck pain during the pre-flight medical assessment.
- The first officer failed to notify the cabin crew of the medical emergency, leaving the cabin in-charge unaware of the situation.
- The first officer did not declare a formal emergency to ATC, which prevented the coordination of full emergency services on the ground.
- After the aircraft landed and the pilot's vision and hearing improved, he resumed control to taxi the aircraft to the parking bay, an action that also deviated from company procedures.
Safety action
Following the incident, the investigation highlighted the need for better training regarding self-medication and emergency response. Recommendations were made for the DGCA to sensitize operators regarding the dangers of self-medication and the necessity of reporting all ailments during medical checks. Additionally, it was recommended that flight crew recurrent training emphasize strict adherence to incapacitation procedures.