What happened
On January 25, 2007, a Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8) was performing an approach to Düsseldorf Airport when the co-pilot experienced intensifying neck pain. The discomfort, which began as mild pain in the neck and left shoulder area in the days preceding the flight, escalated into painful spasms during the final minutes of the approach.
As the pain intensified, the co-pilot lost consciousness for approximately 30 seconds. During this period, the captain assumed all cockpit duties, acting as the pilot flying. The captain issued an urgency declaration to air traffic control. Following the episode, a cabin crew member provided the co-pilot with medical assistance and supplemental oxygen. Once stabilized, the co-pilot was able to assist the captain with the landing checklists. The aircraft landed at Düsseldorf without further incident, and the co-pilot received medical care on the ground.
The investigation
The BFU investigation focused on the medical circumstances and the flight crew's actions. The investigation established that both pilots had completed a rest period of over 16 hours prior to the flight. The captain was highly experienced, with over 10,100 total flight hours, while the co-pilot had over 1,200 total hours, including 1,000 hours on the Bombardier Q400.
Medical examinations conducted at a hospital in Southampton on the day of the event were reviewed. These examinations found no evidence of vascular issues. The medical findings indicated that the loss of consciousness was caused by the acute, intense episode of pain experienced during the approach.