Overview
On August 15, 2023, at 00:47 local time in Chile, a Boeing 787-900 operated by a commercial airline was in cruise flight over Panamanian airspace. The flight was en route from Miami International Airport (KMIA) to Santiago International Airport (SCEL). During the cruise phase, a pilot serving as First Officer (F/O) felt unwell and proceeded to the lavatory. Upon rising from their seat, the pilot collapsed.
Sequence of Events
Crew members immediately attended to the incapacitated pilot using available medical equipment on board. A medical emergency was declared, and the flight was diverted to Tocumen International Airport (MPTO) in Panama City. After landing, airport medical personnel boarded the aircraft and confirmed the pilot had died. The remaining crew and passengers were uninjured, and the aircraft landed without incident.
Investigation Status
The investigation is being conducted under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13 standards. The Aeronautical Authority of Panama (OFINVAA) delegated the investigation to the Aeronautical Authority of Chile (DPA) through a mutual agreement. As of the preliminary report, the investigation is in the stage of collecting and analyzing evidence. No probable cause has been determined.