Co-Pilot Faints Mid-Flight: Lufthansa Plane Flies 10 Minutes Pilotless On Autopilot
Imagine you’re on a flight, cruising at 30,000 feet, when suddenly one of the pilots faints—and the other one is in the bathroom. Sounds like the start of a thriller, right? But this was a real-life scare aboard a Lufthansa Airbus A321 flying from Frankfurt to Seville in February 2024.
So, what exactly happened?
According to a report released by Spain’s aviation accident investigation authority (CIAIAC), the co-pilot fainted while alone in the cockpit, just as the captain had stepped out for a bathroom break. For nearly 10 minutes, the plane carrying 199 passengers and six crew members had no conscious pilot in control.
Thankfully, autopilot was engaged and kept the aircraft flying steadily during the ordeal. The flight data and cockpit voice recorder revealed strange sounds—consistent with a sudden medical emergency—which further confirmed the seriousness of the situation.
How was the cockpit door unlocked?
Here’s where the captain’s recent training paid off. After trying the standard cockpit door code five times with no success—since the co-pilot was unresponsive—the captain used the emergency override code. Just moments before the door would have opened automatically, the co-pilot managed to unlock it from inside, despite still showing signs of distress like sweating, being pale, and making odd movements.
Was anyone hurt?
The plane landed safely in Madrid as a precaution. A doctor who happened to be on board provided medical aid to the co-pilot, who was then taken to a hospital. Interestingly, the investigation found no pre-existing medical conditions in the co-pilot’s records that could’ve predicted this event.
Should airlines always have two people in the cockpit?
This incident has reignited an important aviation safety debate: Should there always be two people in the cockpit? The CIAIAC urged European regulators, especially the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), to reconsider safety guidelines. The recommendation is clear: whenever one pilot steps out, another authorized crew member should temporarily stay in the cockpit to avoid such scenarios.
Key Takeaway:
Autopilot saved the day—but this incident is a wake-up call. Aviation safety experts now urge a rethink on cockpit occupancy rules, because in-flight emergencies don’t wait for anyone.
Sources: Spanish Accident Investigation Authority (CIAIAC), Lufthansa statement
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