What happened
On May 7, 2015, a Jet Airways B-737, registration VT-JFA, was operating flight 9W-63 from Bangkok to Delhi with 121 passengers and six crew members. During the cruise phase, the pilot in command (PIC) began experiencing abdominal cramps and discomfort after consuming a meal. Around 16:00 UTC, the pilot temporarily left the flight deck to seek medical assistance from the cabin crew.
While the pilot was out of the cockpit, an Airbus A330 commander traveling as an additional crew member (ACM) entered the flight deck to assist the First Officer. Although the pilot initially returned to the cockpit after feeling better, a second, more severe episode occurred around 17:00 UTC. The pilot became unresponsive and was physically removed from the flight deck by the ACM and cabin crew to receive medical care in the cabin.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the First Officer declared a MAYDAY and requested a priority landing in Delhi. The ACM took over the left seat to assist with descent management and approach preparations. The aircraft performed a CAT I autoland on runway 2/28 in Delhi. Due to the crew's lack of authorization to use the aircraft tiller, a request was made for ground assistance to tow the plane from the runway.
The investigation
AAIB India examined the medical history of the pilot and the operational decisions made by the crew. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's airworthiness and maintenance records were in order, and both pilots were appropriately licensed. Medical evaluations conducted after the incident revealed that the pilot's condition was a single episode of syncope (fainting) triggered by gastroenteritis. While the pilot had a known history of Right Bundle Branch Block, clinical tests including ECG and MRI showed no acute cardiac or neurological issues related to the incident, other than age-related changes.
Findings
- The pilot experienced two distinct bouts of incapacitation during the flight.
- The primary cause of the medical emergency was gastroenteritis leading to syncope.
- The crew did not divert to Kolkata, which was the closest airfield available during the first episode of discomfort.
- The crew also did not elect to divert to Lucknow during the second, more critical episode of unresponsiveness.
- The First Officer and ACM successfully managed the emergency, utilizing an automated landing to ensure a safe arrival.