What happened
On 19 September 2010, an Embraer 145LR, registration SE-RAC, was operating a commercial flight from Gothenburg to Umeå with 43 passengers and three crew members. During the flight, the co-pilot began experiencing severe abdominal pain. As the aircraft approached Umeå airport, the co-pilot's condition deteriorated significantly; the pilot vomited and momentarily lost consciousness. Consequently, the commander was forced to assume all flight duties, managing both the controls and the co-pilot's responsibilities during the final approach and landing.
Following the landing, the crew consulted with company management. Although the co-pilot felt temporarily better, the crew and the commander decided to proceed with the scheduled return flight to Gothenburg. However, during this second leg, the co-pilot's symptoms returned, involving further episodes of vomiting and intense pain. Upon arrival in Gothenburg, the co-pilot was taken to a hospital, where they were diagnosed with acute appendicitis.
The investigation
The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) examined the sequence of events, the crew's medical status, and the regulatory framework governing flight duties. The investigation looked into the decision-making process during the ground stop in Umeå and the adequacy of the operator's manuals and EU-OPS regulations regarding crew incapacitation. The inquiry also reviewed the pilots' duty schedules and the medical requirements for commencing flight duties.
Findings
- The co-pilot had been experiencing abdominal pain for five days prior to the flight.
- The commander successfully managed the aircraft during the period of co-pilot incapacitation, though no emergency transponder code or distress message was utilized.
- The decision to proceed with the return flight was based on an incorrect evaluation of the co-pilot's health condition.
- There were significant shortcomings in the regulatory framework, as existing rules did not provide specific restrictions or guidelines for continuing flight duties after a crew member had experienced an incapacitation event.
- The co-pilot's medical state during the return flight failed to meet the necessary requirements for active flight duty.
Safety action
To prevent similar occurrences, it is recommended that EASA supplement instructions regarding cockpit crew incapacitation with specific restrictions to prevent continued active flight duty following such an incident.