Lufthansa flight left without pilot for 10 minutes after first officer collapsed mid-flight

A Lufthansa Airbus A321 was left without an active pilot for approximately 10 minutes after the first officer collapsed while alone in the cockpit. The incident occurred on 17 February 2024 during flight LH1140 from Frankfurt to Seville, with over 200 passengers on board.

The captain had stepped out to use the bathroom when the 38-year-old first officer suddenly lost consciousness. On his return, the captain was unable to access the locked flight deck, and repeated attempts to reach the first officer failed. Just before an emergency override code expired, the first officer regained partial consciousness and opened the door.

Described as “pale, sweating, and moving strangely,” the first officer was treated by cabin crew and a doctor onboard as the captain diverted the flight to Madrid. He was later diagnosed with a seizure disorder caused by a neurological condition, which had not previously shown symptoms.

The aircraft remained grounded for approximately 5.5 hours in the Spanish capital before continuing to its original destination.

Spanish investigators concluded the incapacitation was unforeseeable and urged EU aviation authorities to review policies around solo occupancy of the flight deck.