What happened
On August 15, 2023, at approximately 00:47 local time, a commercial Boeing 787-9 was operating a scheduled flight from Miami International Airport (KMIA) to Santiago, Chile (SCEL). While the aircraft was in the cruise phase of flight traversing Panamanian airspace, the first officer experienced a sudden period of physical illness.
As the crew member attempted to move toward the lavatory, they lost consciousness and collapsed. The flight crew immediately initiated medical protocols, utilizing the onboard medical equipment to provide assistance to the incapacitated pilot. Due to the severity of the medical situation, a flight emergency was declared, and the aircraft was diverted to Tocumen International Airport (MPTO) in Panama City.
Upon the aircraft's arrival at the airport, ground-based medical personnel met the flight to provide further care. Following an assessment, the medical team confirmed the death of the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation into this occurrence is being conducted by the Chilean Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC Chile), following a delegation of authority from the Panama Aeronautical Authority (OFINVAA). The investigation is currently in the preliminary stage, focusing on the collection and analysis of all available data and records related to the event.