A PILOT taking off from Dublin Airport “became incapacitated” and collapsed in his seat just three minutes after take off.
The 35-year-old was the First Officer on the scheduled KLM flight containing 41 passengers and crew to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
A new report by the Air Accident Investigation Unit also revealed that the KLM flight from Dublin to Amsterdam sustained a bird strike as it made an emergency landing back at the airport a short time later.
The AAIU investigation outlined details about what was classified as “a serious incident” which occurred after the flight left Dublin Airport on October 19, 2022.
The pilot indicated to the Commander that he was not feeling well shortly after take-off at 8.22am before collapsing in his seat and becoming “rapidly incapacitated”.
The aircraft Commander took over all flying duties and requested assistance for the First Officer from the Cabin Attendants.
He also transmitted a MAYDAY (state of emergency) to Dublin Air Traffic Control and requested clearance for the aircraft to return to EIDW, where a normal landing was performed.
One of the flight attendants informed passengers on the plane that aircraft would be turning back and had to return to Dublin – adding that the commander would brief them further on landing.
However, at around 100 ft on the approach, the aircraft encountered a flock of birds and “sustained a bird strike” to the left side of the nose section.
The plane landed and was taxied to its parking stand where a waiting ambulance crew assessed the first officer.
All passengers disembarked the aircraft normally and no injuries were reported to the Investigation.
The AAIU told how the incapacitation of the First Officer occurred with “minimal warning” shortly after takeoff, which they said is a phase of a flight that involves a “high workload” for the flight crew.
Commenting on the situation, they said: “In this case, the
Commander acted quickly and utilised the assistance of a CA in dealing with the situation; this included securing the First Officer in his seat, moving his seat rearwards away from the controls, and administering oxygen.
“The Commander also delegated, to a CA, the task of keeping the passengers informed of the situation.
“Due to the passenger capacity of the aircraft, only two CAs were required to be on board.
“Having a CA seated in the cockpit to render assistance if needed and monitor an incapacitated flight crew member could be helpful in cases such as the subject event.
“However, there is also a requirement for the aircraft’s exits to be manned during landing. The Operator’s OMA prescribes the actions to be taken in the event of a pilot incapacitation.”
The investigation unit confirmed that instruction on whether a cabin attendant should remain on the flight deck or return to their station before landing is “not included:.
The AAIU added: “The OMA states that the procedure ‘should be regarded as general guidance and adapted as circumstances dictate’.
“The instructions provided by ATC facilitated an expeditious return to Dublin.
“The bird strike that occurred on final approach, did not cause any further problems, although it had the potential to significantly further increase the workload for the remaining crew member.”
