Off-duty pilot steps in to assist land Southwest flight after pilot turns into 'incapacitated'

(NEXSTAR) – An off-duty pilot was on the suitable flight on the proper time Wednesday after the aircraft’s pilot suffered a medical emergency.

Southwest Airways Flight 6013 had simply departed from Las Vegas when one of many pilots required medical consideration, a consultant tells Nexstar. Extra particulars concerning the pilot’s well being subject weren’t out there.

As heard in recordings obtained by LiveATC, a member of the flight crew could be heard saying the pilot had abdomen ache earlier than they “fainted or turned incapacitated.” The pilot “got here again” after a few minute, somebody says within the archived recording, and was handled at the back of the aircraft.

Fortunately, a credentialed pilot from one other airline was among the many passengers on Wednesday’s Southwest flight. That pilot then entered the flight deck and helped with radio communication whereas the second Southwest pilot flew the aircraft again to Las Vegas.

Federal Aviation Administration officers informed CBS Information that the flight, which was on its method to Columbus, Ohio, landed round 8:00 a.m. Wednesday at Harry Reid Worldwide Airport after roughly an hour within the air.

After touchdown in Las Vegas, an alternate flight crew reportedly flew to Columbus. No replace was instantly given on the pilot’s situation, or medical subject, the report indicated.

“We commend the crew for his or her professionalism and recognize our clients’ persistence and understanding concerning the scenario,” the airline consultant added.

Pilots are skilled to fly solo in circumstances comparable to these, officers inform Nexstar. Had the off-duty pilot not been aboard the Southwest flight, a flight attendant may have stepped into the flight deck to help.

Officers with the Federal Aviation Administration informed CBS Information they’re now investigating. The pilot’s medical subject had not been disclosed as of Thursday.

Whereas uncommon, related cases of pilots changing into incapacitated — and another person grabbing the controls — should not remarkable. Final spring, a person with no flying expertise landed a aircraft efficiently at Palm Seaside Worldwide after the pilot suffered an obvious medical emergency.