Synopsis
On 21 February 2019, a Cathay Pacific Airways Airbus A350-941 aircraft, registration B-LRR, operated scheduled passenger flight CPA170 from Perth International Airport, Australia, to Hong Kong International Airport. The captain experienced breathing difficulties and lost visual acuity approximately one and a half hours before landing. A PAN-PAN was declared to Hong Kong Air Traffic Control. The first officer performed a single-pilot approach and landing. The aircraft landed safely at about 0716 hrs and taxied to bay S35. Paramedics assisted the captain upon arrival. No damage to the aircraft or injuries occurred.
History of the Flight
At 0019 hrs on 21 February 2019, the aircraft departed Perth for Hong Kong. The first officer was pilot flying, and the captain was pilot monitoring. At about 0600 hrs, approximately 974 km south of Hong Kong near Manila, the captain informed the first officer of breathing difficulties and loss of visual acuity, then declared himself incapacitated. The first officer assumed control. The captain remained in his seat with harness secured and seat moved aft. The crew sought medical assistance from a doctor passenger and ground medical services via SATCOM. The captain's condition stabilized with oxygen and medication; he remained conscious and communicative. The first officer decided against diverting to Manila, citing proximity to the equal time point. After entering Hong Kong FIR, the first officer made a PAN-PAN call requesting a lower flight level to ease the captain's breathing. ATC provided a shortened track for landing on Runway 07R. The senior purser assisted the first officer in the flight deck per the operator's QRH, and the doctor passenger monitored the captain. The aircraft landed safely at about 0716 hrs. The captain was taken to a hospital.
Aircraft Information
The Airbus A350-941 is a subsonic, medium-to-long range aircraft powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 turbofan engines. It has a two-crew glass cockpit. The aircraft, registration B-LRR, serial number 0119, was manufactured in 2017 and operated by Cathay Pacific Airways with valid certificates of airworthiness and registration. All VHF radios were serviceable. The Control and Display System includes six interchangeable display units for flight, navigation, communication, systems management, and mission management.
Personnel Information
Both pilots held valid Airline Transport Pilot Licences. The captain, aged 59, had 20,188:42 total flying hours (94:02 on type). The first officer, aged 46, had 7,607:32 total hours (243:08 on type). Both complied with medical requirements.
Medical and Pathological Information
The captain had adequate rest before the flight. After a walkaround in Perth, he felt out of breath but recovered. About an hour enroute, he experienced shortness of breath again and used an oxygen mask. At approximately 0530 hrs, he felt worse, with breathing difficulty, loss of vision, dizziness, headache, and chest pain. He declared incapacitation. MedLink advised oxygen and sugary drinks. A doctor passenger administered medication. The captain felt better and remained conscious.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries to persons and no damage to the aircraft occurred.