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Co-Pilot Saves 166 Passengers as Captain Collapses
18 Mar
Summary
- Captain blacked out mid-flight approaching Nice airport.
- Co-pilot took control meters from the sea, saving 166 passengers.
- Pilot suffered from food poisoning during the flight.
An Airbus A320 carrying 166 passengers experienced a critical incident in August 2018 while descending towards Nice. The captain suddenly became unwell and lost consciousness, slumping onto the controls. This caused the aircraft to deviate from its intended flight path, losing significant altitude and banking sharply just meters above the water.
The co-pilot, unable to rouse the unconscious captain, wrestled for control. He successfully stabilized the aircraft and corrected its course, managing a safe landing. Upon regaining consciousness, the captain was instructed to keep clear of the controls. The pilot was later found to be suffering from food poisoning.
