US EditionA Flight Spent 10 Minutes with No Pilot when the First Officer Collapsed While the Captain Was in the Bathroom
- A Lufthansa Airbus A321 flight from Frankfurt to Seville in February 2024 flew for about 10 minutes without a pilot while crossing the Spanish border.
- With about 30 minutes remaining in the flight, the captain briefly stepped away to use the restroom, during which time the 38-year-old first officer unexpectedly lost consciousness while alone in the cockpit.
- After several unsuccessful attempts to reenter the cockpit using the security code, the captain was unable to gain access until the first officer, despite appearing unwell, managed to open the door from the inside before the emergency access timer ran out.
- The first officer appeared visibly unwell, showing signs of distress and unusual behavior, prompting cabin crew and a doctor traveling as a passenger to provide first aid; the aircraft was then redirected to Madrid, where the co-pilot was admitted to a hospital.
- Investigators attributed the incident to a sudden, severe incapacitation caused by a seizure disorder from a neurological condition that is difficult to detect, recommending EU agencies inform airlines to reassess cockpit supervision risks.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Flight Frankfurt-Sevilla, a Pilot Loses Consciousness While the Other Is in the Bathroom: Plane Travels for 10 Minutes without Anyone at the Controls
The fact happened in February 2024 but only now the details have been made public. Once over Spain the commander, out to go to the bathroom, had to use the emergency code to open the door
The Sun
The US SunPassenger plane flies for 10 minutes with NO PILOT
A PASSENGER plane soared over Europe with no pilot for a terrifying ten minutes after the first officer passed out alone in the cockpit. The chilling ordeal happened on a routine Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Seville when the captain went for a quick toilet break. GettyDuring a brief trip to the loo, the first officer lost consciousness in the cockpit[/caption] GoogleRevelations of the incident came to light this week as Spanish investigato…
(S+) How LH1140 Turned Into a Ghost Machine for Ten Minutes
During a flight captain's toilet walk, the co-pilot of a Lufthansa machine became unconscious. For minutes, the Airbus A321 flew aboard with 199 passengers without a guide over Spain. The case is likely to revive a discussion.
A flight spent 10 minutes with no pilot when the first officer collapsed while the captain was in the bathroom
The Lufthansa Airbus A321 diverted to Madrid.Massimo Insabato/Archivio Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty ImagesA 38-year-old first officer lost consciousness while alone on the flight deck.The incident occurred on a Lufthansa flight in early 2024 while the captain was in the bathroom.All in all, the flight was left without a pilot operating it for roughly 10 minutes, a report found.A Lufthansa flight went 10 minutes without a pilot …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
