A recent investigation revealed that a German commercial aircraft carrying 205 passengers flew without a pilot in the cockpit for 10 minutes during a flight from Frankfurt to Seville. This incident occurred after the co-pilot lost consciousness, according to a report from the Spanish Air Accident Investigation Agency.
The agency reported that the captain had temporarily left the cockpit, leaving the co-pilot in charge. However, the co-pilot experienced what was described as a “sudden and severe incapacitation,” which rendered him unable to operate the aircraft. Fortunately, the plane continued to fly steadily due to the autopilot system.
When the captain attempted to re-enter the cockpit using the standard entry code, he was unsuccessful. This prompted him to use the emergency access code, allowing him to regain control of the aircraft.
The co-pilot received first aid from the cabin crew and a doctor who was among the passengers. Eventually, he regained consciousness.