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.
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