Overview

• The Spanish CIAIAC report confirmed that on February 17, 2024, Lufthansa Flight LH1140 flew without active pilot control for 10 minutes after the co-pilot lost consciousness while the captain was in the lavatory.
• The co-pilot's incapacitation was caused by an undiagnosed neurological condition, deemed undetectable during prior medical evaluations.
• The autopilot maintained the aircraft's stability despite unintentional inputs from the unconscious co-pilot, averting a potential disaster.
• The captain used an emergency override code to regain cockpit access, and the flight was safely diverted to Madrid, where medical assistance was provided to the co-pilot.
• The report recommends that EASA reevaluate cockpit staffing policies to ensure a second qualified individual is present during a pilot's absence, while Lufthansa has conducted its own investigation but withheld the findings.