Flight History
On 21 July 2022, an Airbus A320-200 aircraft, registered PK-GLW, operated by PT Citilink Indonesia (Citilink) as flight CTV307, was scheduled from Juanda International Airport, Surabaya, to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, Makassar. The flight crew consisted of a Pilot in Command (PIC) and a Second in Command (SIC), along with four flight attendants and 171 passengers. The PIC acted as Pilot Monitoring (PM) and the SIC as Pilot Flying (PF). Prior to the flight, both pilots underwent blood pressure and oxygen saturation tests with normal results. The PIC conducted a pre-flight briefing. No health issues or technical abnormalities were reported.
The aircraft departed Surabaya at 0615 local time (2315 UTC) in daylight conditions with a packs-off takeoff configuration. After takeoff, the tower controller instructed the crew to contact Surabaya Approach. The PIC made initial contact with the Terminal Control Area (TMA) controller and was cleared to climb to flight level 230 and to proceed direct to waypoint PEDSO.
Crew Incapacitation
At about 0616 LT, an Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM) alert indicated that Air Pack 2 was still off; the SIC selected it on. Seconds later, the SIC observed the PIC in a stiff position. The SIC attempted to check the PIC's consciousness and received no response. The SIC then engaged the autopilot.
At 0617 LT, the SIC used the interphone to call a flight attendant (FA1) to the cockpit and informed her that the PIC was incapacitated. FA1 asked another flight attendant to seek medical assistance among passengers. FA1 returned to the cockpit with aromatherapy oil, assuming the PIC had fainted.
Response and Landing
At 0619 LT, the SIC declared a PAN PAN urgency message to Citilink Operations via company radio, stating the PIC was incapacitated and the intention to return to Surabaya. At 0620 LT, the SIC declared PAN PAN to the TMA controller, requesting return to Surabaya due to one-pilot incapacitation. The TMA controller cleared the SIC to fly direct to waypoint SADPU and descend to 3,500 feet.
A medical doctor among the passengers responded to the flight attendant's call and arrived at the cockpit at 0621 LT. The SIC flew the aircraft solo, performing all checklists. The aircraft landed safely and stopped on the runway. Considering the need for immediate assistance, the SIC decided to taxi to the parking stand. After engine shutdown and forward cabin door opening, airport medical personnel entered to examine the PIC, who was then transported to a hospital. The PIC was found dead upon arrival at the hospital.