Date: February 17, 2024
Route: Frankfurt (FRA) → Seville (SVQ)
Aircraft: Airbus A321 (Registration: D-AISO)
Passengers: Over 200
Incident: First officer incapacitated mid-flight; captain locked out of cockpit
Diversion: Emergency landing in Madrid (MAD)
🧠 The Incident: A Seizure at 35,000 Feet
On February 17, 2024, Lufthansa Flight LH1140 was cruising at 35,000 feet over Spain when an unexpected medical emergency unfolded. The captain had briefly left the cockpit for a restroom break, leaving the first officer alone at the controls. During this short interval, the first officer suffered a sudden seizure due to an undiagnosed neurological condition, rendering him unconscious.
Upon returning, the captain found the cockpit door unresponsive. Despite multiple attempts to unlock it using the security code, he was unable to gain access. A flight attendant also tried to contact the first officer via intercom, but received no response. As the situation grew more critical, the captain initiated the emergency access procedure. Fortunately, before the override timer expired, the first officer regained partial consciousness and managed to open the door manually.
🛬 Emergency Diversion to Madrid
Recognizing the severity of the first officer’s condition—described as “pale, sweating, and moving strangely”—the captain decided to divert the flight to Madrid, the nearest suitable airport. The aircraft executed a rapid descent and landed safely on Madrid’s runway 32L approximately 20 minutes later. Upon landing, paramedics boarded the plane, and the first officer was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
📄 CIAIAC Final Report: A Wake-Up Call for Aviation Safety
The Spanish Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC) conducted a thorough investigation into the incident. Their final report, released in May 2025, concluded that the first officer’s incapacitation was due to a seizure caused by a neurological condition that would have been difficult to detect during routine medical examinations unless symptoms were present at the time.
The report recommended that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) inform all airlines about the incident to reassess the risks associated with leaving a single pilot alone in the cockpit.
🛡️ Lessons Learned: The Importance of Vigilance
This incident underscores the critical importance of continuous vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in aviation. While regulations regarding cockpit occupancy have evolved over time, this event serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks when a pilot is left alone at the controls.
Airlines and regulatory bodies must continually assess and update safety procedures to mitigate such risks, ensuring the highest level of safety for passengers and crew alike.
