In what could have turned into a major aviation disaster, a Lufthansa flight with more than 200 passengers reportedly flew without pilot supervision for nearly 10 minutes.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, the incident occurred during a flight from Germany to Spain, when the aircraft operated without an active pilot in control for a critical period. Citing findings from an official investigation, the report revealed that the event took place last year aboard an Airbus A321.
The captain had briefly left the cockpit to use the lavatory as the plane neared the Spanish border, with around 30 minutes remaining in the flight. While alone in the cockpit, the first officer lost consciousness approximately eight minutes after the captain's departure.
Despite making five attempts to re-enter the cockpit using the security code, the captain was initially unable to regain access. A flight attendant also tried to contact the first officer via intercom. Access was finally granted when the first officer regained enough awareness to open the door, just as the captain was preparing to use an emergency override code.
Upon re-entering, the captain found the first officer in visible distress—pale and sweating. A doctor onboard, assisted by the cabin crew, provided immediate medical aid. The aircraft was then diverted to Madrid, the nearest suitable airport.
Investigators concluded that the first officer had suffered “sudden and severe incapacitation” due to a neurological condition that triggered seizures. Authorities noted the condition was unlikely to be detected during routine medical checks unless symptoms had previously emerged.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has been urged to alert airlines about the incident and consider revising safety protocols concerning single-pilot cockpit situations.
The final investigation report was published on Thursday. Lufthansa has not issued any comment on the matter.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, the incident occurred during a flight from Germany to Spain, when the aircraft operated without an active pilot in control for a critical period. Citing findings from an official investigation, the report revealed that the event took place last year aboard an Airbus A321.
The captain had briefly left the cockpit to use the lavatory as the plane neared the Spanish border, with around 30 minutes remaining in the flight. While alone in the cockpit, the first officer lost consciousness approximately eight minutes after the captain's departure.
Despite making five attempts to re-enter the cockpit using the security code, the captain was initially unable to regain access. A flight attendant also tried to contact the first officer via intercom. Access was finally granted when the first officer regained enough awareness to open the door, just as the captain was preparing to use an emergency override code.
Upon re-entering, the captain found the first officer in visible distress—pale and sweating. A doctor onboard, assisted by the cabin crew, provided immediate medical aid. The aircraft was then diverted to Madrid, the nearest suitable airport.
Investigators concluded that the first officer had suffered “sudden and severe incapacitation” due to a neurological condition that triggered seizures. Authorities noted the condition was unlikely to be detected during routine medical checks unless symptoms had previously emerged.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has been urged to alert airlines about the incident and consider revising safety protocols concerning single-pilot cockpit situations.
The final investigation report was published on Thursday. Lufthansa has not issued any comment on the matter.
