What happened
On 19 October 2022, an Embraer E175-200 STD, registration PH-EXI, was performing a scheduled commercial flight from Dublin Airport to Amsterdam. Approximately three minutes after departing runway 10R, while climbing through 10,000 feet in instrument meteorological conditions, the First Officer—who was acting as the pilot flying—informed the Commander that he felt unwell before losing consciousness.
Upon the crew member's collapse, the Commander took control of the aircraft's flying duties. To manage the emergency, the Commander used the emergency call button to summon cabin attendants. One attendant entered the cockpit to secure the incapacitated pilot into his seat harness and moved the seat rearward to ensure the flight controls remained unobstructed. The crew also administered oxygen to the First Officer using the emergency setting.
The Commander declared a MAYDAY to Dublin Air Traffic Control and requested an immediate return to Dublin. While the aircraft was on its approach, the crew encountered a bird strike on the left side of the nose section at approximately 100 feet. Despite this, the aircraft landed safely on runway 10R. Medical personnel met the aircraft on the stand, and the First Officer was assessed by an ambulance crew.
The investigation
The AAIU investigation examined the flight history, crew medical status, and the aircraft's operational environment. The investigation established that the First Officer had completed a medical examination just one day prior to the flight. The Commander's actions were reviewed, specifically his use of the autopilot, his communication with air traffic services, and his coordination with the cabin crew.
Investigators also looked into the physiological factors involved. An assessment by medical personnel upon arrival in Dublin suggested that the First Officer's sudden incapacitation may have been caused by low blood pressure, potentially exacerbated by dehydration, lack of food, and the rising cabin altitude following departure.
Findings
- The First Officer became incapacitated during a high-workload phase of flight shortly after takeoff.
- The Commander successfully managed the emergency by utilizing available automation and coordinating with cabin crew.
- The aircraft sustained a minor bird strike during the final stages of the approach, though it did not cause structural damage or impact the landing.
- The primary contributing factor to the medical event was identified as low blood pressure in the First Officer.