A dramatic incident occurred on a Qantas flight from Canberra to Sydney when a trainee pilot lost consciousness after landing.
The incident happened on June 10, and fortunately, the crew took swift control, ensuring the safety of the 113 passengers and 8 crew members on board.
What Happened?
The Qantas Boeing 737 aircraft had just landed at Sydney Airport and was taxiing towards its gate when the trainee captain informed the first officer that he was feeling unwell.
He applied the brakes before losing consciousness.
Luckily, a supervising check captain, who was part of Qantas’ standard training procedures, was on board and took over the controls immediately.
Swift Response Saves the Day
The aircraft was safely taxied to Gate T3 without any further complications. Medical staff arrived on board shortly after passengers began disembarking to treat the incapacitated pilot.
Qantas confirmed the event and stated that their crew followed all standard operating procedures.
A spokesperson said, “The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew is our top priority, and we’re supporting the individual following the incident.”
Not the First Time: Similar Incident Occurred in March
This incident is not an isolated one. A similar medical emergency occurred on Qantas flight QF505 in March, when the captain experienced chest pains while cruising north of Sydney.
The first officer took control of the aircraft and issued a PAN call, indicating a medical emergency that required prompt but not immediate distress response.
Crew’s Quick Thinking Saves the Day
The crew’s swift response and training played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the passengers and crew.
The first officer calmly contacted Sydney Air Traffic Control and requested a medical PAN, which was acknowledged and cleared for a priority approach to Runway 34R at Sydney Airport.
The aircraft landed safely, and paramedics met the captain and transported him to the hospital for further treatment.
Qantas Responds: Crews Acted According to Protocol
Qantas confirmed that both flight crews followed all training and emergency protocols.
The airline stated, “The other pilot was operating the aircraft at the time and landed the aircraft into Sydney as normal. The pilot was treated by paramedics at the gate and transferred to the hospital.”
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has documented both incidents and is monitoring the situation to determine whether a detailed investigation is warranted.
Importance of Multi-Crew Training
These incidents highlight the importance of multi-crew training and readiness, particularly in short-haul domestic operations.
Qantas continues to maintain operational safety standards across its fleet, and the airline’s quick response and training have been praised.
The presence of two other pilots in the cockpit ensured the aircraft reached the gate safely without disruption to passengers or ground operations.