Baltic DH8D near Riga on Oct 13th 2013, captain incapacitated
Last Update: March 18, 2015 / 20:36:31 GMT/Zulu time
Incident Facts
Date of incident
Oct 13, 2013
Classification
Incident
Cause
Captain incapacitated
Airline
Air Baltic
Flight number
BT-416
Departure
Riga, Latvia
Destination
Moscow Domodedovo, Russia
Aircraft Registration
YL-BAJ
Aircraft Type
De Havilland Dash 8 (400)
ICAO Type Designator
DH8D
The rotation was cancelled.
The airline confirmed the aircraft returned to Riga due to one of the pilots feeling unwell.
Passengers reported the second pilot announced the first pilot had become unwell and they were returning to Riga.
On Mar 18th 2015 Latvia's Air Accident and Incident Investigation Board TAIIB released their final report concluding:
It is estimated that this serious incident was caused, when the aircraft was cruising the Commander (PIC) in duty of pilot flying became incapable of performing his duty normally by a loss of consciousness, which followed after sudden stomach upset as result of Acute Respiratory Viral Infection, Acute Gastroenterocolitis, Decompensated Diabetes and Hyperglycemia. Concerning that the appearance of these symptoms was not predicted, it is estimated to contribute the PIC did not have any subjective symptoms before flight or under current aviation medical examinations is difficult if no subjective or objective symptoms are observed.
The TAIIB reported that the aircraft was enroute at FL250 approximately 130nm from Riga when the commander (44, ATPL, 4,288 hours total, 1,870 hours on type) commented his stomach was not feeling well and left the cockpit for the lavatory. On the way to the lavatory the captain fell onto the floor and fainted. Cabin crew observed the fall, provided first aid and checked for a doctor on board. The first officer (30,CPL, 2,527 hours total, 987 hours on type), upon being informed about the captain's condition, decided to return to Riga, declared Mayday and requested short vectors. The aircraft landed safely on Riga's runway 36 and stopped on the runway, an ambulance attended to the captain and took him to a hospital, the passengers disembarked onto the runway. The aircraft was subsequently towed to the apron.
The TAIIB reported the captain remained in hospital care for 4 days. His medical certificate was suspended. Following initial diagnosis and therapy the condition of the captain improved, an insulin therapy could be cancelled. After discharge from hospital the captain was again medically assessed and found "that health status is in compliance with the requirements laid down by Regulation", he was provided with additional recommendations and requirements for health inspection and received a new medical certificate.
Incident Facts
Date of incident
Oct 13, 2013
Classification
Incident
Cause
Captain incapacitated
Airline
Air Baltic
Flight number
BT-416
Departure
Riga, Latvia
Destination
Moscow Domodedovo, Russia
Aircraft Registration
YL-BAJ
Aircraft Type
De Havilland Dash 8 (400)
ICAO Type Designator
DH8D
This article is published under license from Avherald.com. © of text by Avherald.com.
Article source
You can read 1 more free article 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
Fleet type match
Baltic DH8D near Riga on Jun 3rd 2019, loss of cabin pressure
An Air Baltic de Havilland Dash 8-400, registration YL-BAJ performing flight BT-105 from Riga (Latvia) to Stockholm (Sweden), was enroute at FL240…
Fleet type match
Baltic DH8D at Riga on Jul 3rd 2014, hydraulic failure
An Air Baltic de Havilland Dash 8-400, registration YL-BAJ performing flight BT-434 from Vienna (Austria) to Riga (Latvia), was on approach to Riga…
Fleet type match
Baltic DH8D near Riga on Nov 13th 2012, engine shut down in flight
An Air Baltic de Havilland Dash 8-400, registration YL-BAJ performing flight BT-104 from Stockholm (Sweden) to Riga (Latvia) with 25 passengers and 4…
Fleet type match
Baltic BCS3 at Vienna on Dec 23rd 2025, de-icing problem
An Air Baltic Bombardier C-Series CS-300 on behalf of Austrian Airlines, registration YL-ABQ performing flight OS-639 from Vienna (Austria) to…
Fleet type match
Baltic BCS3 at Zurich on Mar 20th 2025, nose gear trouble on departure
An Air Baltic Bombardier C-Series CS-300 on behalf of Swiss, registration YL-AAV performing flight LX-2250 from Zurich (Switzerland) to Budapest…
Fleet type match
Baltic BCS3 at Riga on Mar 8th 2023, runway excursion on landing
An Air Baltic Bombardier C-Series CS-300, registration YL-AAP performing flight BT-694 from Paris Charles de Gaulle (France) to Riga (Latvia) with 89…
Fleet type match
Baltic BCS3 at Helsinki on Mar 29th 2024, passenger oxygen masks released, cabin pressure okay
An Air Baltic Bombardier C-Series CS-300, registration YL-CSN performing flight BT-308 from Helsinki (Finland) to Riga (Latvia) with 120 people on…
Fleet type match
Baltic BCS3 at Palanga on Jul 1st 2023, high rate of descent below minimum safe height, approach continued
An Air Baltic Bombardier C-Series CS-300, registration YL-CSA performing flight BT-375 from Riga (Latvia) to Palanga (Lithuania), was on approach to…
Newest articles
Fleet type match
Porter E295 at Edmonton and Toronto on Feb 22nd 2026, passenger observed tyre separating on departure
A Porter Airlines Embraer ERJ-195-E2, registration C-GZQM performing flight PD-402 from Edmonton,AB to Toronto,ON (Canada) with 94 people on board,…
Calm AT72 at Arviat on Apr 25th 2026, runway excursion
A Calm Air Avions de Transport Regional ATR-72-212A, registration C-GREJ performing freight flight MO-488 from Thompson,MB to Arviat,NU (Canada) with…
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
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