B763, en-route, Atlantic Ocean, 2008
B763, en-route, Atlantic Ocean, 2008
Summary
On 28 January 2008, the first officer on a B767, flying from Toronto to London, became incapacitated and the captain elected to divert to the nearest airport, Shannon, Ireland.
Flight Details
Aircraft
Operator
Type of Flight
Public Transport (Passenger)
Flight Origin
Intended Destination
Actual Destination
Take-off Commenced
Yes
Flight Airborne
Yes
Flight Completed
Yes
Phase of Flight
Cruise
Location
Approx.
Oceanic Reporting Point MALOT
HF
Tag(s)
Flight Crew Incapacitation
EPR
Tag(s)
PAN declaration
Outcome
Damage or injury
Yes
Aircraft damage
None
Non-aircraft damage
Yes
Non-occupant Casualties
No
Occupant Injuries
None
Occupant Fatalities
None
Off Airport Landing
Yes
Ditching
Yes
Causal Factor Group(s)
Group(s)
Aircraft Operation
Safety Recommendation(s)
Group(s)
None Made
Investigation Type
Type
Independent
Description
On 28 January 2008, the first officer on a B767 Series, flying from Toronto to London, became incapacitated and the captain elected to divert to the nearest airport, Shannon, Ireland.
Synopsis
The following is an extract from the official AAIU (Ireland) report into the event:
"...When the First Officer reported for duty he was undoubtedly under considerable pressure, reporting after [his] positioning flight later than planned. The Commander however had the situation very much in hand with the flight planning and pre-flight duties taken care of. On his arrival on the flight deck, he made this known to his First Officer and set a good tone prior to commencing the flight. During the cruise the Commander became aware all was not well with his colleague. He suggested he take a break, not only for his immediate well-being, but considering the high workload in London airspace and expected Autoland approach. The situation continued to deteriorate and it soon became apparent that the First Officer was quite ill. For his own well-being and the safety of the aircraft, the most appropriate course of action was to stand him down from duty and seek medical attention which was available on board. The decision to divert to the nearest suitable Aerodrome was prudent."
The first officer was kept in hospital in Ireland for 11 days before returning to Canada on an aeromedical evacuation flight.
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Further Reading
- For further information, see the full AAIU report
