MD11, en-route, near Cape Ashizuri, Japan, 2007
MD11, en-route, near Cape Ashizuri, Japan, 2007
Summary
On 10 January 2007, a Transmile Air Services Boeing MD11F First Officer became suddenly incapacitated by seizure during a flight from Anchorage to Hong Kong. A diversion was made and the affected pilot hospitalised where the cause was identified as a previously non-symptomatic brain tumour.
Flight Details
Aircraft
Operator
Type of Flight
Public Transport (Cargo)
Flight Origin
Intended Destination
Actual Destination
Take-off Commenced
Yes
Flight Airborne
Yes
Flight Completed
Yes
Phase of Flight
Cruise
Location
HF
Tag(s)
Flight Crew Incapacitation
EPR
Tag(s)
“Emergency” declaration
Outcome
Damage or injury
No
Aircraft damage
None
Non-aircraft damage
No
Non-occupant Casualties
No
Occupant Injuries
None
Occupant Fatalities
None
Off Airport Landing
No
Ditching
No
Causal Factor Group(s)
Group(s)
Aircraft Operation
Safety Recommendation(s)
Group(s)
None Made
Investigation Type
Type
Independent
Description
On 10 January 2007, the PNF co pilot of a Transmile Air Services Boeing MD11F operating with a First Officer who was designated and operating as(Cruise Captain[1]) became suddenly incapacitated by seizure during a flight from Anchorage to Hong Kong. A diversion was made and the affected pilot hospitalised where the cause was identified as a previously non-symptomatic brain tumour. The incident occurred over the sea at 30 km southwest of Cape Ashizuri, Kochi Prefecture, Japan.
The Investigation
The official Report on the Serious Incident by the Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) states:
"When the serious incident took place, Cruise Captain was at the left pilot seat as the Pilot Flying (PF) (crewmember primarily responsible for aircraft control), and SIC (Second in Command) was at the right pilot seat as the Pilot-Not-Flying (PNF) (crewmember primarily responsible for other than control)."
The Report includes the detailed statements of the flight crew, including the statement of Cruise Captain who points out that as the SIC become unconscious he extended his legs on the rudder pedals and the aircraft began yawing left and right. The SIC was later removed from the right seat and medical emergency was declared. The aircraft then diverted to Kansai International Airport, Japan.
Probable Cause
"It is estimated that this serious incident was caused, when the aircraft was cruising, the Second In Command (SIC) in duty of pilot flying became incapable of performing his duty normally by a loss of consciousness, which followed a sudden headache as a symptom of intra cranial hypertension.
Concerning that the appearance of these symptoms was not predicted, it is estimated to contribute the SIC did not have any subjective symptoms of brain tumors, and detecting brain tumors under current aviation medical examinations is difficult if no subjective or objective symptoms are observed."
Note by the SKYbrary editor
- ^ Cruise Captain in the report refers to a pilot certificated as cruise captain by the Malaysian Aviation Authority, and is qualified by the company to act as PIC during cruise only and who was engaged in the operation of the aircraft.
