A Lufthansa flight carrying 205 people was left without an active pilot for 10 tense minutes after the copilot fainted while alone in the cockpit, according to a recent report from Spain’s air accident investigation agency, CIAIAC.

The incident occurred on February 17, 2024, during a flight from Frankfurt, Germany, to Seville, Spain. The captain had stepped out of the cockpit for a bathroom break, leaving the copilot alone at the controls. That’s when the copilot suddenly lost consciousness.

Despite the alarming situation, the Airbus A321 remained in stable flight thanks to autopilot. However, investigators noted that the unconscious copilot unintentionally interacted with the controls during this time. Audio recordings confirmed sounds consistent with what they called a “sudden and severe incapacitation.”

Air traffic controllers attempted to contact the cockpit multiple times but received no response. The captain returned and initially tried to re-enter using the standard door code, which alerts those inside with a chime. After five unsuccessful attempts and an unanswered intercom call, the captain used an emergency override code to regain access to the flight deck and took over the controls.

According to the report, the copilot received immediate first aid from the crew and a doctor who happened to be onboard. He eventually regained consciousness and later recalled receiving treatment.

The captain diverted the flight to Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, landing safely about 20 minutes later. The copilot was taken to a hospital, where he stayed for several hours.

Investigators later discovered that the copilot’s fainting episode was caused by an undiagnosed neurological condition. This condition had not been detected during his routine medical evaluations. As a result, his medical certification has been suspended.

Lufthansa acknowledged the findings and confirmed that its own safety team had conducted a separate investigation, though the results were not publicly shared, according to German news agency dpa and the Associated Press.

The Spanish aviation authority classified the incident as an “extraordinary circumstance,” but emphasized that airline captains are trained to handle situations involving pilot incapacitation.

While rare, such incidents do happen. CIAIAC pointed to 287 reported cases of pilot incapacitation across European commercial flights between 2019 and 2024. For comparison, a 2004 FAA report documented 39 such cases involving U.S. airline pilots over a six-year span from 1993 to 1998.

Source: CNN – Lufthansa flight flew without a pilot for 10 minutes after copilot fainted, report finds

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A terrifying moment unfolded at Denver International Airport when an American Airlines plane engine caught fire, forcing passengers to evacuate onto the aircraft’s wing as thick smoke engulfed the plane.

Emergency Landing and Evacuation

American Airlines Flight 1006, en route from Colorado Springs to Dallas-Fort Worth, was diverted to Denver after reports of engine trouble. The Boeing 737-800 landed safely around 5 p.m. local time, according to FlightAware.com data.

Upon arrival at Gate C38, the plane’s engine caught fire, prompting an urgent evacuation. Six crew members and 172 passengers deplaned, some stepping onto the aircraft’s wing as emergency crews responded. Fortunately, all passengers and crew members were safely relocated to the terminal, and no injuries were reported.

Passengers Describe the Harrowing Scene

Video footage from inside the airport captured a large cloud of smoke billowing from the aircraft as dozens of passengers quickly exited and ran away from the scene. A Montana woman waiting for her connecting flight to Colorado Springs witnessed the incident firsthand.

“I was terrified for those passengers,” she told CNN. “I can’t even imagine how scared they must’ve been.”

Rapid Response and Investigation

American Airlines commended its flight crew, Denver International Airport staff, and first responders for their quick and decisive actions to ensure the safety of everyone on board. The fire was swiftly extinguished, and an investigation into the cause of the engine failure is now underway.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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A Southwest Airlines flight had to abort its landing at Chicago Midway International Airport on Tuesday morning to avoid colliding with a private jet that entered the runway without clearance, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

What Happened?

At approximately 8:50 a.m. local time, Southwest Flight 2504, arriving from Omaha, Nebraska, was preparing to land when a Bombardier Challenger 350 private jet, operated by Flexjet, mistakenly entered the active runway.

To prevent a potential disaster, the Southwest pilots performed a go-around, a maneuver in which a plane aborts landing and ascends again. The flight later landed safely without incident.

FAA and NTSB Investigations Underway

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now investigating the incident as part of an ongoing review of aviation safety concerns.

This event adds to a series of recent air safety incidents, including:
A deadly midair collision over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.
A Medevac jet crash in Philadelphia
A regional airline crash near Nome, Alaska, which killed 10 people

Air Traffic Control Audio Reveals the Close Call

According to LiveATC.net, air traffic control (ATC) instructed the private jet to turn left and hold short before entering an active runway. However, confusion ensued:

ATC instructed: “Runway 4L, cross Runway 31L, and hold short of Runway 31C.”
Private jet pilot responded incorrectly: “Alright, left on… 4L, cross the 22 or 13C.”
ATC immediately corrected: “Flexjet 560, negative! Cross 31L, hold short Runway 31C.”

At the same time, the Southwest pilot realized the danger and performed a go-around.

ATC to Southwest Flight 2504: “Roger that. Climb, maintain 3,000.”
Southwest pilot (after stabilizing): “How’d that happen?”

How Close Were the Planes?

The two aircraft came within 2,050 feet of each other before the Southwest plane ascended.
FlightRadar24 reports that the Southwest jet flew over the private jet at 900 feet pressure altitude, which translates to about 250 feet above ground.

Official Statements

Southwest Airlines: “The crew followed safety procedures, and the flight landed without incident. Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and employees.”
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy: “It is imperative that pilots follow air traffic control instructions. If they do not, their licenses will be pulled.”
Flexjet (Private Jet Operator): “We are aware of the occurrence and are gathering more information.”

A Growing Concern in Aviation Safety

Between January 2023 and September 2024, the NTSB investigated 13 runway incursions involving commercial or for-hire flights. These incidents ranged from minor safety breaches to narrowly avoiding collisions.

With investigations ongoing, aviation authorities are under pressure to strengthen runway safety measures and prevent future close calls.

This is a developing story. More updates to follow.

Source

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