Lufthansa Flight Left Without Pilot for 10 Minutes After First Officer Suffers Medical Emergency Mid-Flight

The Lufthansa flight, from Frankfurt to Seville, appeared to be running smoothly and was cruising when disaster almost struck

A Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt, Germany, to Seville, Spain, operated for nearly 10 minutes without a pilot at the controls after the first officer lost consciousness in the cockpit, according to an investigation report released by Spanish aviation authorities.

The incident occurred in February of last year aboard an Airbus A321 carrying more than 200 passengers. The flight was proceeding normally until it crossed into Spanish airspace, with approximately 30 minutes remaining in the journey. At that point, the captain left the cockpit to use the restroom, leaving the first officer alone at the controls—a common practice under standard operating procedures.

The captain left the cockpit to visit the bathroom just as the Airbus A321 was due to cross the Spanish border, leaving the first officer in charge as the flight approached its final half hour

The captain later told investigators that the first officer appeared to be in good health when he exited the flight deck. However, when he returned approximately eight minutes later, he was unable to gain access to the cockpit. Attempts to unlock the secure door using the standard access code were unsuccessful. A flight attendant also tried repeatedly to contact the first officer via the intercom, but received no response.

Eventually, the captain activated the emergency cockpit access procedure, which includes a timed delay for re-entry. Before the override could fully engage, the first officer regained partial consciousness and manually opened the door.

Investigators have now recommended that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency inform all airlines about the incident

Once inside, the captain found the 38-year-old first officer pale, sweating, and displaying abnormal movements. A physician who happened to be a passenger on the flight, along with flight attendants, administered immediate first aid. The captain then diverted the aircraft to Madrid, the closest suitable airport, where the first officer was transported to a local hospital upon landing.

According to the final report, the first officer suffered a “sudden and severe incapacitation” as a result of an undiagnosed seizure disorder linked to a neurological condition. Investigators noted that such a condition would likely not be detected during a standard medical examination unless prior symptoms had already presented.

In light of the incident, Spanish aviation authorities urged the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to alert all European airlines and reevaluate safety protocols related to solo occupancy of the cockpit.

Lufthansa has not issued a public statement in response to the report.