Lufthansa Flight Operated Without a Pilot for 10 Minutes After Copilot Collapsed
May 19 , 2025
In a dramatic incident that underscores the critical importance of cockpit protocols and autopilot systems, a Lufthansa Airbus A321 flew for ten minutes without an active pilot after the copilot collapsed mid-flight. This revelation comes from a newly released report by Spain’s Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC).
The incident occurred on February 17, 2024, during Lufthansa Flight LH1116 from Frankfurt to Seville. Onboard were 199 passengers and six crew members. According to the report, the captain had briefly exited the cockpit to use the lavatory when the first officer suddenly lost consciousness, leaving the flight deck unattended.
Fortunately, the autopilot was engaged, allowing the aircraft to maintain stable flight. However, cockpit voice recordings later confirmed that the unconscious copilot unintentionally manipulated some of the controls during the incident. The voice recorder also captured sounds consistent with a sudden and severe medical episode.
Silent Cockpit and Emergency Access
Air traffic controllers made three unsuccessful attempts to reach the cockpit. Meanwhile, the captain, unable to access the cockpit using the standard entry code, tried multiple times to open the door. When there was no response, a cabin crew member also attempted to make contact via intercom.
Ultimately, the captain used an emergency override code to re-enter the cockpit. Upon gaining control of the flight deck, he quickly assessed the situation and received help from a passenger who was a medical doctor. Together with the cabin crew, they administered first aid to the copilot, who later regained consciousness and recalled being treated.
Safe Diversion to Madrid
To ensure passenger safety, the captain diverted the aircraft to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, where he executed a safe landing approximately 20 minutes later. The copilot was transported to a nearby hospital and remained under medical supervision for several hours.
The investigation later revealed that the copilot had an undiagnosed neurological condition that caused his incapacitation. The disorder had not been detected during standard aeronautical medical examinations. As a result, his medical certification has been suspended.
Lufthansa Responds to the Report
Lufthansa confirmed its cooperation with Spanish authorities and stated that its internal flight safety team also conducted a thorough investigation. The airline declined to comment further due to privacy and regulatory protocols.
The CIAIAC classified the event as an “extraordinary circumstance” and emphasized that airline captains are rigorously trained to handle pilot incapacitation scenarios. Though rare, such emergencies are part of established safety procedures.
Aviation Safety in Focus
The Spanish authority cited broader data, revealing that 287 in-flight pilot incapacitations were recorded across the European transport system between 2019 and 2024. Similarly, a 2004 U.S. Federal Aviation Administration report documented 39 such cases among American pilots between 1993 and 1998.
This incident stands as a powerful reminder of the indispensable role of redundancy, training, and medical scrutiny in aviation. It also raises critical questions about whether neurological conditions should be more thoroughly evaluated during pilot medical assessments.