What happened
On 16 December 1998, a charter flight operating a Boeing 757-200, registration SE-DUO, was en route from Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, to Stockholm, Sweden. While cruising at 35,000 feet in the airspace over Armenia, the commander began experiencing significant physical distress. The pilot reported a visual disturbance in his left field of vision followed by intense physical cramping and signs of total incapacitation.
As the commander became unable to communicate, the First Officer coordinated with the cabin crew to move the pilot from the flight deck to the forward galley for medical attention. A medical doctor traveling in the cabin assessed the situation and advised that the aircraft divert to the nearest suitable airport to secure hospital care. The First Officer declared a PAN-urgency, requesting an immediate diversion to Tbilisi, Georgia.
During the descent and approach, the First Officer was assisted by another commercial pilot who was a passenger on the flight. This individual helped with checklist reading and altitude conversions. Due to the urgency of the medical situation, the aircraft performed a manual landing at Tbilisi while approximately 9.1 tonnes above its maximum landing weight. The commander was subsequently transported to a local hospital via ambulance.
The investigation
The Swedish Board of Accident Investigation (SHK) examined the flight history, crew statements, and the commander's medical background. The investigation reviewed the aircraft's airworthiness and the crew's adherence to company incapacitation protocols. Investigators also looked into the commander's medical history, noting two previous instances of fainting and spasms occurring in 1990 and 1991.
Findings
- The crew managed the emergency professionally and followed established company procedures for crew incapacitation.
- The aircraft was airworthy, though the landing was performed significantly overweight.
- The commander suffered an acute illness during the flight.
- The commander had a history of similar neurological episodes, including fainting and tonic-clonic spasms.
- The primary cause of the incident was the commander's sudden medical emergency, which was determined to be an epileptic fit.