Overview
- The Boeing 757 operating Delta Flight DL437 from Los Angeles to Boston diverted to Detroit after the captain reported feeling ill, with the event occurring Tuesday, Aug. 25.
- Air traffic control audio captured the captain saying he was the one who was ill and that he would "taxi the jet to the gate, and then I need to go to the hospital," a recording replayed by multiple outlets.
- The flight landed safely at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, firefighters and EMS removed the ill crewmember, and 147 people were on board at the time, according to Delta.
- Delta replaced the crew at Detroit and the same aircraft departed about 7:17 p.m., arriving in Boston roughly 90 minutes behind schedule; officials have not released the captain’s medical diagnosis.
- Aviation commentators noted that the sick captain speaking with tower while the first officer flew is standard procedure, and the response followed routine safety steps for a pilot medical emergency.