A Lufthansa Airbus A321 with 205 people onboard flew without pilot control for ten minutes after the copilot collapsed alone in the cockpit. The incident occurred on February 17, 2024, during a flight from Frankfurt to Seville, according to a recent report by Spain’s aviation investigation agency, CIAIAC.
The captain had briefly left the cockpit to use the restroom when the copilot suddenly lost consciousness. The plane, carrying 199 passengers and six crew members, remained stable because autopilot was engaged, but the copilot’s body unintentionally moved several controls.
Autopilot Maintains Stability During Emergency
Despite the copilot’s collapse, the autopilot system kept the aircraft steady. The report revealed that cockpit voice recordings captured sounds consistent with a “sudden and severe incapacitation.” Air traffic control attempted radio contact three times but received no reply.
The captain returned quickly and tried to unlock the cockpit door using the standard access code. After five failed attempts, he used an emergency override code to regain access and resume control of the aircraft.
Medical Aid Provided After Copilot Regains Consciousness
Once control was restored, cabin crew and a doctor onboard assisted the unconscious copilot. He later regained consciousness and remembered receiving treatment from the medical team.
The captain diverted the flight to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport in Madrid, where the plane landed safely about 20 minutes later. The copilot was taken to a hospital for observation and was released after several hours.
Investigation Reveals Undiagnosed Neurological Condition
A follow-up investigation found that the copilot suffered from an undiagnosed neurological disorder missed during routine medical checks. As a result, his pilot medical certification has been suspended.
Spain’s aviation authority classified the event as “extraordinary,” highlighting that captains train for emergencies like pilot incapacitation.
Pilot Incapacitations Are Rare But Not Unheard Of
Although rare, mid-flight pilot incapacitations do occur. The European Commission reported 287 such incidents across Europe between 2019 and 2024. Similarly, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration recorded 39 cases from 1993 to 1998.
Safety Protocols and Training Key to Managing Emergencies
Experts stress that autopilot systems and crew training are critical in managing in-flight emergencies. Dr. Ana López, an aviation safety consultant, noted, “This incident underscores the importance of thorough medical screening and quick, decisive action by flight crews.”
Lufthansa confirmed it conducted an internal investigation through its safety division but has not released detailed findings.