A passenger plane captain blacked out and slumped onto the controls while approaching the runway, forcing the co-pilot to wrestle control of the aircraft just metres from the ground, according to a newly released official report. The jet was seconds from disaster as it veered off its intended flight path, dipping dangerously towards the sea before the co-pilot managed to steady it and regain full control.
Details of the Terrifying Incident
Details of the terrifying incident have now emerged in an official investigation by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board. The report found that the captain had suddenly fallen ill mid-flight, leading to the critical situation. The Airbus A320, carrying 166 passengers, had been descending towards Nice Côte d'Azur Airport when the pilot informed his colleague he felt unwell and needed to hand over the landing procedure.
Critical Moments Near the Ground
Moments later, as the aircraft flew just a few hundred metres above the ground, the captain lost consciousness completely and slumped forward. This unintentional movement applied pressure to the controls, causing the aircraft to begin banking left and right while dropping below its planned approach path. The co-pilot attempted repeatedly to rouse the incapacitated captain but was ultimately forced to take over solo control.
The incident occurred in August 2018 on a scheduled flight from Zurich to Nice. The sudden inputs from the unconscious captain caused the aircraft to tilt sharply from side to side, at one point reaching a bank angle of approximately 10 degrees as it drifted significantly off course. For about 20 critical seconds, the jet lost substantial altitude and dropped below the correct landing path, bringing it perilously close to the Mediterranean waters off the French Riviera.
Swift Action and Safe Landing
The co-pilot demonstrated exceptional skill by quickly correcting the erratic movements and pulling the aircraft back up to a stable approach as the runway came into view. With the plane just 60 metres above the ground, the captain regained consciousness and was immediately instructed to keep his hands completely away from the controls to prevent any further interference.
Approximately half a minute later, the aircraft landed safely at Nice Airport. The co-pilot promptly alerted air traffic control to the medical emergency unfolding in the cockpit, while the captain began vomiting, indicating severe distress. Subsequent investigation revealed the pilot had been suffering from food poisoning, with medical tests confirming he had been unwell throughout the duration of the flight.
Similar Incidents Highlight Ongoing Concerns
The report also references two similar incidents that occurred in 2019, underscoring ongoing concerns regarding pilot health during critical flight phases. On one flight from London to Zurich, a captain briefly lost consciousness, compelling the co-pilot to execute the landing independently. In another case on a Zurich to Porto route, a co-pilot experienced such intense nausea that he could only manage radio communications during the descent, leaving the captain to handle the aircraft alone.
These events collectively highlight the vital importance of crew resource management and the need for robust protocols to address in-flight medical emergencies. The investigation's findings are likely to prompt further review of aviation safety procedures concerning pilot health monitoring and emergency response training.
