Lufthansa Airbus A321 carrying 205 people flew without pilot input for about 10 minutes after the copilot lost consciousness. The flight was traveling from Frankfurt, Germany, to Seville, Spain. Spain’s aviation accident authority recently released a report revealing the details of this unusual incident.
The copilot fainted while alone in the cockpit. The captain had left briefly to use the restroom, leaving the copilot in control. There were 199 passengers and six crew members on board. Despite the copilot’s sudden collapse, the autopilot system kept the plane stable throughout the event.
Recordings from the cockpit showed sounds that suggested a sudden health failure. Air traffic control tried to contact the plane three times but received no reply. When the captain returned, he tried five times to unlock the cockpit door with the usual code. A cabin crew member also attempted to reach the flight deck via intercom but got no answer. Finally, the captain used an emergency override code to unlock the door and re-enter the cockpit.
Inside, the crew administered first aid to the copilot, with help from a passenger who was a doctor. The copilot regained consciousness and later recalled receiving medical care. The captain decided to divert the flight to Madrid’s main airport, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas. The plane landed safely about 20 minutes after the captain took control.
Investigators found that the copilot’s collapse was caused by an undiagnosed neurological disorder. This condition had not been detected during previous medical checks, and the pilot was unaware of it. His flight medical certification was suspended as a result.
Spain’s aviation authority described the situation as extraordinary but noted that pilots are trained to handle cases when a colleague becomes incapacitated. Pilot incapacitations are rare but monitored closely. According to a European Commission database, 287 pilot incapacitations were recorded in Europe between 2019 and 2024. In the United States, 39 similar cases were documented between 1993 and 1998.
This event highlights the importance of autopilot systems and pilot training in maintaining flight safety. The quick actions by the captain, crew, and onboard doctor helped prevent a possible disaster. Aviation authorities continue to track such incidents to improve safety worldwide.
For further information on aviation safety and updates, visit Lufthansa’s official website or Spain’s aviation accident authority.
