What happened
On 22 October 2014, an Emirates Boeing 777-21H (ER), registration A6-EMJ, was operating a scheduled passenger service from Dubai International Airport to Bengaluru, India. During the flight, the commander began experiencing a headache and nausea. As the aircraft reached the top of its descent, the pilot's condition worsened; he reported an inability to focus and a sensation of impending fainting.
Before losing consciousness, the commander successfully transferred control of the aircraft to the copilot. The commander remained unconscious for approximately three minutes. During this period, the copilot alerted the cabin crew, and a senior crewmember entered the cockpit to secure the incapacitated pilot in his seat. The copilot declared a MAYDAY, and the aircraft returned to Dubai, landing safely without further incident. There were no injuries to the passengers or crew, and no damage was sustained by the aircraft.
The investigation
An investigation by the GCAA AAIS examined the medical history of the crew and the operational response of the airline. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy and that all crew members were properly licensed and rested. The inquiry also reviewed the operator's emergency procedures, finding that the crew's adherence to established protocols and effective communication were critical to the safe outcome.
Medical evaluations of the commander following the event, including electrocardiograms and blood pressure checks, yielded normal results. However, the commander experienced a second, unwitnessed fainting episode two months later. Because medical specialists could not identify a neurological or cardiac cause for these syncopal episodes, the GCAA Aeromedical Board eventually revoked the commander's medical certificate.
Findings
- The commander experienced a sudden loss of consciousness during the descent phase of the flight.
- The crew demonstrated effective resource management by coordinating between the cockpit and cabin to secure the pilot.
- The cause of the unexplained fainting attack could not be determined by investigators.
- The commander's subsequent medical episodes remained medically unexplained, leading to the revocation of his flying privileges.