Autopilot keeps aircraft stable as 199 passengers unknowingly soar pilotless; emergency landing follows
May 18, 2025 | Berlin A routine Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Seville turned into a high-stakes situation last year when the aircraft was left without a conscious pilot for 10 minutes, according to a newly released investigation report by Spanish aviation authorities.
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The incident occurred on February 17, 2024, when the co-pilot of the Airbus A321 fainted alone in the cockpit, while the captain was in the restroom. With 199 passengers and six crew members aboard, the aircraft continued flying — stabilized only by its autopilot system.
🚪 Emergency Access Blocked
According to German news agency dpa, citing the report by Spain’s CIAIAC (Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission), the captain attempted multiple times to re-enter the cockpit using the regular access code, but received no response.
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He tried five times before resorting to the emergency override code, which would have automatically opened the cockpit door. Just seconds before it could take effect, the ill co-pilot regained consciousness enough to open the door from inside.
🎙️ Strange Noises, Stable Flight
Voice recordings from the cockpit captured disturbing noises, indicating the co-pilot was experiencing a serious medical episode. Fortunately, the autopilot continued to maintain the aircraft’s flight path, avoiding a catastrophe.
🛬 Swift Response
After retaking control, the captain diverted the flight to Madrid, where the co-pilot was immediately rushed to a hospital. Lufthansa confirmed the event and noted that its flight safety team also conducted an internal investigation, but declined to reveal its findings.
This event underscores the importance of autopilot systems and cockpit access protocols, as well as the unpredictability of in-flight medical emergencies.
🏷️ Tags:
Lufthansa, aviation safety, autopilot, cockpit access, pilot health emergency, Airbus A321, mid-air incident, CIAIAC report, Germany-Spain flight, Lufthansa co-pilot collapse