Plane Without Pilot for Over 10 Minutes in Mid-Flight Incident

A recent investigation revealed a harrowing incident aboard a Lufthansa Airbus A321 flight from Frankfurt, Germany, to Seville, Spain, in February 2024. The plane was left without a pilot for over 10 minutes after the first officer lost consciousness in the cockpit. The captain had temporarily left the cockpit to use the bathroom, leaving the first officer alone with approximately 30 minutes of flight time remaining. When the captain returned, he was unable to access the cockpit despite entering the security code five times. After attempting an intercom call, he used an emergency code to gain access. The co-pilot was found unconscious and was quickly revived. The co-pilot, who was pale, sweating, and moving erratically, was treated by cabin crew and a doctor on board. He reported losing consciousness suddenly and had no memory of the incident. The co-pilot was diagnosed with a possible heart condition, later determined to be caused by a neurological disorder. The captain opted to divert the plane to Madrid, the nearest airport, as a precaution. The incident highlights critical issues in cockpit safety and pilot incapacitation protocols.

Published: 5/18/2025