Summary
On 18 July 2006, Malév Zrt. flight MAH600, a Fokker F70 registered HA-LMA, experienced a serious incident while in German airspace. Approximately 45 minutes after departure, the commander of the flight began feeling unwell. To avoid the possibility of being stuck in Brussels, the commander decided to return to the departure aerodrome (Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport). The landing was carried out without incident.
Narrative
According to the final report by the Hungarian Transport Safety Bureau (TSB), the voice data recorded on the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) confirmed the contents of the captain's report. The report stated that the commander's condition did not incapacitate him during the flight. The return was made for economic reasons: to avoid a possible emergency landing at a foreign airport and/or the declaration of emergency in case the commander's condition worsened.
After announcing the decision to return, the commander's medical state improved notably, and he continued to serve as pilot not flying (PNF). The pilot flying (PF) held a commander's license himself and adhered to the relevant requirements of the Flight Operations Manual (FOM), continuously monitoring the commander's condition through cross-checking. It was not necessary for the PF to take over the commander position.
Additionally, the commander personally informed a VIP passenger on board about the reason for the turn-around.
Investigation
The TSB investigation revealed that this was not the first time the commander had felt unwell during a flight. Consequently, the operator's Flight Director decided to send the commander for an irregular medical examination and to allow him to fly only after receiving a medical certificate approved by the authority.
During the investigation, the opinions of the operator and the TSB differed regarding the category and severity of the occurrence. However, the TSB determined that the occurrence unambiguously fell under paragraph 3 of Appendix 1 to MET Decree 123/2005 (XII. 29.), categorizing it as a serious incident.
Aftermath
The TSB concluded that no further action relevant to the case was necessary, and the case was closed. Due to the action taken by the operator, no safety recommendation was issued.
Final Remarks
The report noted that the translation from the Hungarian original may contain discrepancies; the Hungarian version remains authentic.