A Lufthansa flight flew 10 minutes without a pilot in February 2024 after the co-pilot unexpectedly lost consciousness mid-air. The Airbus A321 aircraft, which had taken off from Frankfurt, Germany, was en route to Seville, Spain, with 199 passengers and six crew members onboard. The shocking incident came to light following the release of an official investigation report by Spanish aviation authorities.
The situation unfolded when the 43-year-old captain left the cockpit for a restroom break, leaving the 38-year-old first officer in charge. At that moment, the first officer reportedly showed no signs of distress or fatigue, according to the captain’s testimony. However, eight minutes later, when the captain attempted to return, the cockpit door did not open despite entering the security access code. Repeated intercom calls went unanswered.
Concerned, the captain attempted to override the door using the emergency access code. Just as he did, the co-pilot, having regained partial consciousness, opened the door from the inside. According to the official report, the co-pilot appeared confused, sweating heavily, and exhibiting unusual movements. Immediate assistance was sought from the cabin crew and a medical doctor traveling on the flight, who together administered first aid.
The co-pilot was unable to recall the duration of his blackout. “I lost consciousness, but I don’t know when it happened,” he reportedly said. He remembered flying over Zaragoza but had no memory of the events until the medical team attended to him.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the captain diverted the aircraft to Madrid—the closest airport—where the co-pilot was hospitalized. Medical professionals later confirmed that a severe neurological issue had caused the co-pilot’s sudden incapacitation. His aviation medical certificate was subsequently suspended.
The incident in which a Lufthansa flight flew 10 minutes without a pilot has reignited global discussions around pilot health monitoring and in-flight emergency preparedness. Industry experts emphasize the importance of stringent health checks and efficient cockpit protocols to manage such unpredictable events.
FAQs
What happened during the Lufthansa flight in February 2024?
A Lufthansa Airbus A321 flew without active pilot control for 10 minutes after the co-pilot lost consciousness while the captain was out of the cockpit.
Was the Lufthansa flight able to land safely?
Yes, the captain regained control and safely diverted the flight to Madrid, Spain.
What was the cause of the co-pilot’s blackout?
Doctors diagnosed the co-pilot with a serious neurological condition that caused sudden unconsciousness.
Has Lufthansa taken any action after the incident?
The co-pilot’s medical certificate was suspended. The incident also prompted a renewed focus on pilot health assessments and cockpit safety procedures.