What happened
On 27 September 2017, an Etihad Airways cargo flight, operating a Boeing 777-200LRF registered as A6-DDE, departed Abu Dhabi for Amsterdam. During the cruise phase over Bahrain airspace, the commander left the cockpit to visit the galley. While attempting to retrieve a meal tray, the commander collapsed.
A loadmaster alerted the copilot to the emergency, prompting a MAYDAY declaration and an immediate diversion to Kuwait International Airport. While the aircraft was in transit, a security officer performed CPR on the commander. Despite continued resuscitation efforts by both the onboard crew and paramedics upon landing, the commander was pronounced dead. The landing was performed overweight due to the high fuel load remaining on the short flight.
The investigation
The UAE Air Accident Investigation Sector examined the circumstances surrounding the commander' and the flight operations. The investigation confirmed the commander had passed his annual medical examination just one day prior to the flight and was considered well-rested.
Investigators reviewed the commander's medical history and personal belongings, which included various vitamins and medications, such as statins. It was noted that the use of these over-the-counter medications had not been disclosed to the aeromedical examiner. The investigation also looked into the operator's procedures regarding pilot incapacitation for freighter crews.
Findings
- The commander's death was caused by a cardiopulmonary system collapse resulting from coronary artery stenosis.
- High cholesterol levels contributed to the development of coronary artery disease.
- The commander's undeclared use of over-the-counter statins likely influenced his lipid levels, a factor that was not managed by a medical professional.
- The operator's manual previously lacked specific incapacitation procedures for freighter-specific operations.
Safety action
Following the incident, the GCAA implemented new initiatives for aeromedical examiners, including workshops on lipid management and updated guidelines. The operator updated its operations manual to include specific incapacitation procedures for freighter flights and enhanced CPR training for loadmasters and security officers.