On February 17, 2024, a Lufthansa Airbus A321 flight from Frankfurt to Seville encountered a critical incident when the co-pilot suffered a sudden and severe loss of consciousness while the captain was away from the cockpit. The incident, which lasted over 10 minutes, was managed by the autopilot, ensuring the plane remained in stable flight. Upon returning to the cockpit, the captain found the co-pilot in a medical emergency, eventually diverting the plane to Madrid and landing safely. The co-pilot was later diagnosed with a previously undetected neurological condition.
The Spanish investigation report revealed that the captain left the flight deck to use the restroom moments before the co-pilot collapsed, leaving the aircraft unattended for over 10 minutes. Despite the autopilot maintaining control, the situation was critical, with the flight crew and onboard doctor working together to stabilize the co-pilot. The captain eventually managed to regain control and diverted the plane to the nearest suitable airport. This incident has raised significant concerns about aviation safety and the protocols for managing in-flight medical emergencies.
Lufthansa Airlines responded to the report, stating that they had provided intensive support to the Spanish authorities and conducted their own comprehensive investigation. However, they could not provide further details on the case. As a major European airline, Lufthansa’s response highlights the broader implications for air safety regulations and the need for improved monitoring systems within aircraft cockpits. The incident also underscores the challenges of managing uncrewed flights, especially in cases where a crew member is incapacitated, and the importance of emergency protocols in such situations.