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Qatar Airways flight diverted after pilot dies onboard
We've heard of medical emergencies happening in-flight, but this brings "is there a doctor on board?" to a whole new level. USA Today is reporting that a Qatar Airways pilot died this morning on flight 645 from Manila to Doha, the Qatar Airways hub. The flight was diverted to Malaysia, where a new crew was secured. The flight arrived in Doha just over four hours after its scheduled arrival.
The pilot's speculated cause of death was a heart attack, but the airline has yet to confirm the cause of death or if the flight was ever at risk.
The last reported case of a pilot dying in flight happened on a Continental flight from Brussels to Newark in June of 2009.
What a terrifying ordeal. Our thoughts go out to the pilot's family.
Reader Comments (Page 3 of 3)
BK Sharma Oct 16th 2010 11:22AM
Co-Pilot Landed this plane.
rlp Oct 13th 2010 7:23PM
Actually, the minimum number of pilots on any commercial flight is 2, and if it is an international flight the minimum number is 4. So, for those of you who thought the dead pilot was the only pilot onboard, perhaps this will clarify your thinking.
My husband is a pilot for a US carrier and he flies internally. They have NEVER flown with less than 4 pilots.
Joe Oct 14th 2010 8:59AM
Depending on the length of the flight the new minimum is 3. If it's just over 8 hours than on pilot that lands the plane will be different. If it's over 12 then they'll have 4. The LHR-JFK route I've lately seen with three.
This could vary by carrier since the pilots union also plays a big role in determining these type of arragements.
mary Oct 13th 2010 9:31PM
ISN'T THAT WHY WE HAVE CO-PILOTS?
Malaycobra Oct 14th 2010 9:00AM
Sad, but no big deal just having the co-pilot on board. It's a bit like losing one engine...
4years Oct 14th 2010 8:58AM
There were the deceased captain (may he rest in peace) and 2 first officers onboard in the flight deck.
Brenda Oct 14th 2010 11:21AM
My goodness Patrice. I said NOTHING about sitting in the pilot's lap, I said seat, thus making reference to the responsibility of a pilot. Where is your mind??? I am well aware of the training a flight attendant goes through in order to take on that job. I was not trivializing their responsibility. However, you definitely took it that way. Are you a flight attendant and thus defending your job? I don't know about the rest of the flying public, but I would rather a trained pilot be responsible for handling the navigation of the aircraft I'm sitting in. I used to work for an airline and grew to respect many of the flight attendants. Note, I didn't say all. When I board a plane I want to have full confidence in knowing that I will "arrive alive". I would be less confident if the pilot became ill, died or experienced some other emergency, and the co-pilot's seat was either empty or had someone like you Patrice sitting in the seat. Communication is also critical and your lack of command for the English language would set red flags waving!
Patice Oct 16th 2010 3:37PM
My Goodness Brenda. What I was saying that pilots die inflight everyday. My point was that the FAA and Airlines cover these acciendent up all the time .Pilot's must have a medical every year,pilot's that have heart problems.Have been know in many cases to pay off thier FAA doctor in order to allow them to fly. Weather I'am a pilot or F/A my is of no conern to you .My comment was regarding what happens that the public is not always away of . And I do speak from experience begining with the NSTBA.However ,if it makes you feel better expressing your comments in a hostil manor. You are the one that needs communication skills. Best Wishes!
BK Sharma Oct 16th 2010 11:22AM
43 is not old for a Pilot.I know so many who started flying at age 18 in 1963 and retd. in 2010 successfully in 2010 at age 65 and still healthy ,some still flying.Medical science says heart attacks betwwen age 40 and 50 are most fatal.Higher age groups survival rate is better.Passenger flights are always flown with 2 trained Pilots for safety reasons.I am old pilot retd. at age 65 ,airline pilot flown 47 years successfully.It is not good for non-pilots to suggest one pilot instead of 2.this incident proves it.
Gonzo Oct 16th 2010 12:23PM
One of the reason there are 2 pilots in the cockpit is to enhance safety. All checks/ inputs are cross checked by the other pilot.
If there's only one dude flying the plane, high chances of his errors going unnoticed and may cause mishaps.
RIP to the pilot.
Patrice Oct 17th 2010 10:31PM
Hi BK: Your not an old pilot your an experienced pilot. Thank you for your comments. Most of these people have no clue as to what US carriers or General Aviation flight crew must flow by FFA regs. company policy .Crew members go threw a great deal of training that hopefully they will never have to use. Weather your flying part 121,121.5,135,or91. Their is a alot one needs to know about the A/C and much more. People don't understand about type ratings and what that means.The time that it take to build up hours to fly a particular jet.To be rated or have at least 500 hours in the lft. seat to fly Captain. This alludes the public. And I just wanted to thank you for your comments. I never answer these things ,and it was wrong thing for me to reply too. But again I do thank you for your expert opion. And I would rather be flying with a person in thier 60's than in their 20's.I'am sure you came from military background, and if not you just worked that much harder.God Bless! Kindest Regards,Patrice
Nicole Oct 18th 2010 8:47AM
E tem empresa querendo voar so com 1 piloto.
Only one pilot as RyanAir is trying???