18.05.2025 10:30
Details have emerged regarding the Lufthansa flight that took off from Frankfurt to Seville last year, during which 200 passengers experienced a 10-minute flight without a pilot due to the captain going to the restroom and the co-pilot fainting. It was revealed that the co-pilot suffered a seizure related to a neurological condition, and a doctor who was a passenger intervened during the incident.
Last February, an Airbus A321 Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Sevilla narrowly avoided disaster. The life of 200 passengers was put at risk when the co-pilot fainted in the cockpit while the captain was in the restroom. The details of the incident, during which the plane flew without a pilot for approximately 10 minutes, were revealed in a report published by the Spanish Civil Aviation Accidents and Incidents Investigation Commission (CIAIAC).
CO-PILOT FAINTED WHILE CAPTAIN WAS IN THE RESTROOM
There were 199 passengers and 6 crew members on board. Everything was going smoothly during the flight when the captain left the cockpit to go to the restroom. At that moment, the co-pilot, who was left alone in the cockpit, suddenly lost consciousness and fainted.
DOOR WAS LOCKED WHEN HE RETURNED FROM THE RESTROOM
According to a report in Business Insider, when the captain returned, he found the door locked. He tried the door code 5 times to reach the co-pilot but was unsuccessful. The cabin crew attempted to communicate via intercom but received no response.
HE OPENED THE DOOR WHEN HE CAME TO
Realizing the seriousness of the situation, the captain activated the emergency access protocol. Before the timer ran out, the co-pilot briefly regained consciousness and was able to open the door. It was reported that the 38-year-old co-pilot's face was pale, he was sweating, and he was moving unconsciously.
DOCTOR PASSENGER INTERVENED
Noticing the situation, the captain immediately requested help. The cabin crew and a doctor traveling as a passenger provided first aid to the co-pilot. The plane was diverted from its route to the nearest airport, Madrid, and landed safely. The co-pilot was taken to the hospital.
NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER
Initial examinations indicated that the pilot's sudden illness was related to a neurological condition and that he had suffered a seizure. It was reported that the co-pilot's health condition is now stable and he is doing well.