CSA AT42 near Prague on Feb 15th 2012, captain incapacitated and died
Last Update: November 21, 2012 / 15:39:48 GMT/Zulu time
Incident Facts
Date of incident
Feb 15, 2012
Classification
Incident
Cause
Captain incapacitated
Aircraft Type
ATR ATR-42
ICAO Type Designator
AT42
sudden death aircraft commander during the preparation for landing, caused by a rare hidden disease of the cardiovascular system.
The crew had briefed the ILS approach for runway 31 at Prague, the captain (54, ATPL, total flight hours unknown, 9,134 hours total and on type flown for CSA) was pilot flying, the first officer (39, ATPL, 1,806 hours total, 1,346 hours on type) was pilot monitoring. During the descent through about FL120 the first officer noticed the aircraft was gradually increasing speed and asymmetric thrust without the captain taking corrective action, the captain remaining unresponsive to his queries. The first officer took control, requested the flight attendants to come to the cockpit and provide first aid to the captain, requested medical assistance and a priority approach with ATC. During the remaining 17 minutes until landing the two flight attendants provided oxygen to the captain and made sure the left hand controls were all free. Despite snow showers and medium/poor braking action the first officer landed safely on runway 31 without any significant use of brakes and short (6 seconds) application of reverse and taxied clear of the runway, where emergency services were already awaiting the aircraft.
The commander was subsequently removed from his seat, emergency services attempted resuscitation but to no avail.
Testimonies by cabin crew and first officer did not reveal any anomaly with the captain prior to the first officer noticing the captain had become unresponsive.
The flight data recorder revealed that the approach and landing was flown entirely within the stabilized criteria. The CAAII commended the first officer stating that his actions "corresponded to the standard operating procedures for air carrier crew member incapacitation. There were no deviations, which would increase the risk to passengers and crew members. The first officer optimally utilized his knowledge and skills and even handled adverse weather conditions skillfully to ensure medical assistance to his collegue as soon as possible."
The CAAII reported medical examinations confirmed the commander's health status was in compliance with JAR-FCL 3. Forensic examination of the body revealed "the death was due a rare, hidden cardiovascular disease, the causes of which are currently still completely unclear." The disease can not be detected by preventive examinations.
Incident Facts
Date of incident
Feb 15, 2012
Classification
Incident
Cause
Captain incapacitated
Aircraft Type
ATR ATR-42
ICAO Type Designator
AT42
This article is published under license from Avherald.com. © of text by Avherald.com.
Article source
You can read 2 more free articles without a subscription.
Subscribe now and continue reading without any limits!
Read unlimited articles and receive our daily update briefing. Gain better insights into what is happening in commercial aviation safety.
Send tip
Support AeroInside by sending a small tip amount.
Related articles
Eco-Friendly Travel: Are Cruise Ships or Airlines Greener?
In 2019, almost 30 million people went on a cruise. Such a huge number demonstrates how popular cruising is as a vacation option all over the…
8 Essential Tips for First-Time Expats
Packing up your home and moving it and your family abroad should fill you with giddiness and a healthy dose of apprehension. Apprehension is a…
10 Unique Gift Ideas for the Airplane Enthusiast
Finding the perfect gift for an airplane fan can be a rewarding challenge. Whether they’re a professional pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or…
AeroInside Yearly Aviation Safety Review 2024
2024 is over and it is time to look back and see again what happend in aviation safety. Have a look at our summary below.All in all, 1200 new…
AeroInside Monthly Aviation Safety Review December 2024
December 2024 was a busy month in aviation safety. Please find our summary below.All in all, 73 new articles have been published during last month.…
Newest articles
Jeju B738 at Muan on Dec 29th 2024, gear up landing and overrun
A Jeju Boeing 737-800, registration HL8088 performing flight 7C-2216 from Bangkok (Thailand) to Muan (South Korea) with 175 passengers and 6 crew,…
Fleet type match
Easyjet Switzerland A320 near Stockholm on Jan 24th 2025, smell of smoke in cabin
An Easyjet Switzerland Airbus A320-200, registration HB-JXF performing flight U2-1498 from Rovaniemi (Finland) to Geneva (Switzerland) with 115…
Subscribe today
Are you researching aviation incidents? Get access to AeroInside Insights, unlimited read access and receive the daily newsletter.
Pick your plan and subscribePartner
A new way to document and demonstrate airworthiness compliance and aircraft value. Find out more.
ELITE Simulation Solutions is a leading global provider of Flight Simulation Training Devices, IFR training software as well as flight controls and related services. Find out more.
SafetyScan Pro provides streamlined access to thousands of aviation accident reports. Tailored for your safety management efforts. Book your demo today
AeroInside Blog
Popular aircraft
Airbus A320Boeing 737-800
Boeing 737-800 MAX
Popular airlines
American AirlinesUnited
Delta
Air Canada
Lufthansa
British Airways