Pilot incapacitation occurrences 2010–2014

Case studies
Food poisoning
Fifteen minutes after take-off from Adelaide on a Saab 340B, the first officer notified
the captain they were starting to feel unwell. They repeated shortly after they were
unwell.
Once the aircraft had reached its cruising altitude, the first officer began using their
oxygen mask. When asked by the captain how they were feeling, the first officer
reported feeling dizzy and unwell. The captain noted the first officer looked very
pale.
Shortly after, the first officer informed the captain that they could not continue and
wanted to return to Adelaide. During the return flight, the first officer reported that
they were able to perform flying duties. The captain reported during the descent to
Adelaide the first officer continued to look very pale and was intermittently using
the oxygen mask.
After the passengers had disembarked, the captain noted the first officer’s
condition had deteriorated further. After completion of the arrival tasks, the captain
noted the first officer’s condition had improved. They were subsequently diagnosed
with food poisoning.
The ATSB investigation noted that ATC was not notified of the reason the aircraft
was returning, and that a PAN call was not made. If the first officer’s condition
had deteriorated further, this could have led to unnecessary delays for medical
assistance in Adelaide (ATSB investigation AO-2010-046).
Source: Stock image
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