Pilot has seizure during flight with scores of passengers on board

Co-pilot who was flying at the time had to be restrained by cabin crew, say investigators

The commander diverted the Flybe aircraft to Manchester Airport (PETER MUHLY/AFP/Getty Images)

A co-pilot suffered a seizure in the cockpit, causing the plane to make a violent movement.

A member of the cabin crew fell to the floor as the Flybe co-pilot became incapacitated and repeatedly pressed on the plane’s pedals.

He had to be restrained by a member of the cabin crew as the aircraft’s commander worked to counteract his movements, according to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

Forty-three passengers and crew were on board the flight from Inverness to Jersey, on 5 August last year.

The commander was performing routine cockpit checks when he noticed his co-pilot was shaking, his arms were tensed and his was leaning back in his seat and looking towards the ceiling.

The autopilot system became disconnected and the Bombardier Dash 8 turboprop airliner slewed and knocking over the cabin crew attendant.

Then, the commander called the senior cabin crew member into the cockpit, where she was able to restraint the seizing co-pilot.

The commander then diverted the aircraft to Manchester Airport.

It was “physically demanding” to restrain the co-pilot due to his limbs “flailing and going stiff”, the report stated.

An “able bodied passenger” was chosen to wait outside the cockpit door and be ready to assist if required.

The landing was carried out safely and paramedics boarded the aircraft to take the co-pilot to hospital, where he was released after three hours.

He had not previously shown any symptoms which might have alerted him or his colleagues to the possibility of a seizure, according to the AAIB.

The investigation concluded it was a “serious incident” which was “professionally managed” by the commander and cabin crew.

Flybe chief operating officer Luke Farajallah, said: “All airlines train their crew to be prepared for all possible incidents including, however rare, that of a pilot becoming incapacitated during flight.

“The report duly recognises that the crew immediately and efficiently implemented the required precautionary procedures necessary to ensure the continued safe operation of the aircraft and the flight landed safely without further incident.

“Flybe crews are highly trained professionals and such procedures are reinforced on a regular basis with the safety of its passengers and crew remaining its highest priority at all times.”