Incident Details
On 26 August 2018 at approximately 23:00 local time, an Airbus A320-214 (registration HB-IJP) operated by Swiss International Air Lines was on a scheduled passenger flight from Zurich (LSZH) to Nice (LFMN). The aircraft was carrying 166 passengers and a flight crew of two: a Swiss national captain (born 1969) and a German national first officer (born 1990). The flight was conducted under instrument flight rules (IFR).
During the final approach, approximately 3 kilometers southwest of Nice, the captain became incapacitated due to medical reasons. The first officer promptly assumed control of the aircraft, continued the approach, and landed safely on runway 04L. No injuries were reported among the crew, passengers, or third parties, and the aircraft sustained no damage. No third-party damage occurred.
Investigation
The Swiss Safety Investigation Board (SUST) opened an investigation into the serious incident. As of the preliminary report dated 30 August 2018, the investigation was ongoing. The report noted that the captain's medical incapacitation was the direct cause of the event, but no further conclusions or analysis were provided at that stage.