Josh Weiner
On February 17, 2024, a Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Seville faced a harrowing situation when the cockpit was left completely unattended mid-flight. The Airbus A321, operating as Flight LH1140 with 199 passengers and six crew members on board, was cruising when an unexpected medical emergency struck the co-pilot—at the worst possible moment.
The captain had briefly stepped out of the cockpit to use the restroom, leaving the co-pilot alone at the controls. Within minutes, the co-pilot suffered a sudden seizure, rendering him unconscious and unable to operate the aircraft. As the plane continued on autopilot, no active pilot was in control for nearly ten minutes.
When the captain attempted to return, he found himself locked out of the cockpit. Both standard and emergency access codes failed. Behind the sealed door, the unconscious co-pilot lay slumped over the controls, and the aircraft continued its flight with no human guidance.
Eventually, the co-pilot regained partial consciousness and was able to open the door, allowing the captain back in. He quickly took control and diverted the flight to Madrid, where the plane landed safely. The co-pilot was rushed for medical treatment and was later diagnosed with a previously unknown neurological condition.
The incident has raised serious concerns about in-flight safety procedures, particularly the importance of ensuring two crew members remain in the cockpit at all times. While the autopilot prevented disaster, the scare has prompted renewed discussion on medical screenings for flight personnel and cockpit access protocols.
