History of the Flight
On 8 January 2014, Spicejet flight SG401, operated by a Boeing 737-800 aircraft registered VT-SZD, was scheduled to fly from Mumbai to Hyderabad. The flight had 144 passengers and 6 crew members on board. The takeoff, climb, and cruise were uneventful. During the descent into Hyderabad, the pilot-in-command (PIC) experienced a medical emergency, including blurred vision and partial loss of hearing, after consuming a painkiller for neck pain. The first officer declared a medical emergency to air traffic control and requested medical assistance upon landing. The first officer then performed an auto-land, and the aircraft landed safely at Hyderabad.
Personnel Information
The PIC was 36 years old, held an Air Transport Pilot License (ATPL), and had 2,584 hours of experience on the Boeing 737-800/900. The first officer was 26 years old, held a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and had 1,627 hours on type. Both crew members were current in training and had adequate rest prior to the flight, as per Flight Duty Time Limitations.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft, Boeing 737-800 (MSN 39430), was manufactured in 2013 and registered in India. It was powered by two CFM 56-7B engines. The Certificate of Airworthiness was current and valid until 13 May 2018. At the time of the incident, the aircraft had logged 2,307 airframe hours and 1,488 cycles. The aircraft was maintained according to an approved maintenance program, with the last major check performed on 17 December 2013.
Medical Aspects
The PIC reported waking up with neck pain on the morning of the flight. Inflight, he took an over-the-counter painkiller from his flight bag. During descent, he experienced blurred vision and partial hearing loss. He then took an anti-allergic tablet, after which his symptoms improved within 10 minutes. He informed the first officer of his condition and instructed him to take over controls, perform an auto-land, notify ATC, and request a doctor after landing. After landing and taxiing to the parking bay, the airport doctor examined the PIC, determined that the symptoms were likely a reaction to the painkiller, and issued a fit-to-fly certificate. However, the operator's Chief of Flight Safety and Chief Medical Officer instructed the PIC to undergo a complete medical examination before being scheduled for further flights.
Outcome
There were no injuries to any occupants and no damage to the aircraft. The incident was reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, which classified it as a serious incident and ordered an inquiry.