Quick-thinking passenger helps ailing pilot, enabling safe emergency landing for Southwest flight
The incident unfolded on Wednesday, March 22, during flight number WN6013. The budget American airline was flying from Las Vegas, Nevada to Columbus, Ohio.
US airplane needed to turn back
Shortly after the aircraft ascended, the captain reported feeling unwell, and an immediate decision was made to head back to the original airport. Air traffic control was notified that the pilot was experiencing severe abdominal pain. Not long after, he reportedly lost consciousness. The second pilot told controllers, "We need to transport him to the hospital as quickly as possible."
A passenger stepped in
One passenger aided in handling the unusual circumstance. The man happened to be a pilot for a different airline. As the second pilot of Southwest Airlines safely navigated the plane back to Las Vegas, this passenger provided crucial updates to air traffic control via radio.
Upon safely landing, medical personnel were waiting at the airport and instantly provided care for the stricken captain. Despite hours of delay, the passengers were ultimately transported to Columbus, Ohio.
Southwest Airlines had nothing but praise for the passenger in the statement it issued after the incident. "We greatly appreciate his support and assistance," read the airline's statement. "We commend our crew for their professionalism and also wish to thank our customers for their patience and understanding." The statement also noted that the plane had been in the air for approximately one hour and 17 minutes.
