Aviation miracle: Flight went 10 minutes without a pilot and 200 passengers onboard with no incident

In February 2024, a Lufthansa Airbus A321 en route from Frankfurt to Seville experienced a critical incident when the co-pilot lost consciousness while alone in the cockpit. The captain had temporarily left the flight deck, leaving the co-pilot in control.

“After the captain left the cockpit and the co-pilot suffered sudden and severe incapacitation, the aircraft continued flying for approximately 10 minutes in cruise mode with the autopilot engaged, but without additional supervision from either pilot,” the report found.

During this time, the co-pilot suffered a seizure due to an undiagnosed neurological condition, leaving him unresponsive. As a result, the aircraft, carrying 199 passengers and six crew members, flew on autopilot without active pilot supervision for approximately 10 minutes.

Upon returning, the captain was initially unable to re-enter the cockpit despite multiple attempts using emergency procedures. Fortunately, the co-pilot regained consciousness in time to unlock the door, allowing the captain to resume control.

The flight was subsequently diverted to Madrid-Barajas Airport, where it landed safely. The co-pilot received medical attention in a local hospital.

This incident highlighted the importance of always having an additional authorised person in the cockpit when one pilot steps out. The Spanish Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC) recommended policy updates to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to prevent similar occurrences.

While pilot incapacitation is rare—occurring approximately 0.45 times per 10 million flight hours—it remains a critical safety concern. This event has reignited discussions about cockpit protocols and the potential risks associated with reducing the number of pilots on commercial flights.

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