Air Canada flight diverts to Boston after pilot medical emergency; passengers assist during onboard crisis

An Air Canada regional flight operated by PAL Airlines as flight AC7664 was forced to divert to Boston after the captain suffered a serious medical emergency mid-flight, prompting an unexpected and highly unusual onboard intervention.

The De Havilland Dash 8 Q400 registered C-GPOE was travelling from Newark to Halifax with 61 passengers when the captain reportedly became incapacitated, with witnesses describing behaviour consistent with a seizure and erratic aircraft movement. The first officer assumed control of the aircraft and safely diverted it to Boston Logan International Airport.

During the incident, passengers and crew assisted in restraining the pilot after he was removed from the cockpit, while a registered nurse onboard helped provide support. The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot was taken to hospital for treatment. Emergency responders met the aircraft on arrival.

Passengers described a prolonged and distressing situation lasting around 40 minutes, during which they helped secure the pilot while the co-pilot focused on flying and landing the aircraft. Despite the severity of the incident, the airline confirmed that all passengers and crew arrived safely, and arrangements were made for onward travel.

The event highlights the critical importance of cockpit redundancy and crew training, with the first officer’s rapid response ensuring the safe diversion of the flight under highly abnormal conditions.