In a shocking incident, a Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Seville, Spain, flew for about ten minutes without a pilot in control after the co-pilot fainted in the cockpit. The incident happened on February 17, 2024, and was recently reported by the Associated Press.
The Airbus A321 was carrying 200 passengers and six crew members when the pilot left the cockpit for a restroom break. While the pilot was away, the co-pilot suddenly collapsed, leaving the plane without anyone actively flying it.
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The plane stayed on course thanks to the autopilot system, which kept it flying safely during those ten minutes. Meanwhile, the captain tried to get back into the cockpit using both the normal and emergency codes, but the door remained locked.
The cockpit voice recorder captured unusual sounds, showing that the co-pilot was having a medical emergency. Eventually, the co-pilot regained some consciousness and was able to unlock the door. The captain quickly re-entered the cockpit and took back control of the aircraft.
The flight was then diverted to Madrid, where it landed safely. The co-pilot was immediately taken to the hospital.
Investigators later discovered that the co-pilot had suffered a seizure due to an undiagnosed neurological condition. According to the Spanish Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC), such health issues are hard to detect unless there are symptoms reported in advance.
Lufthansa, the airline, stated:
“We ask for your understanding that we will not comment beyond the investigation report.”
Why Every Commercial Flight Has Two Pilots
Have you ever noticed that passenger planes always have two pilots? That’s not just a backup plan — it’s an important safety rule.
The captain and co-pilot share many responsibilities like flying the plane, communicating with air traffic control, checking instruments, and handling any problems that come up.
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If one pilot becomes sick or unable to fly, the other can take over immediately. That’s why aviation rules worldwide require two trained pilots in the cockpit at all times.
During long flights or in tough situations like bad weather or emergency landings, having two pilots helps reduce stress and avoid mistakes. It also keeps both pilots alert by sharing the workload.
In aviation, safety always comes first — and having two pilots in the cockpit is a global standard that protects everyone on board.
