Description

On 29 October 2019, an Airbus A321 (HL8071) being operated by Asiana Airlines on a scheduled international passenger flight from Incheon to Kaohsiung, Taiwan as AAR717 had begun descent towards destination in night VMC when the Captain asked the First Officer to obtain the destination weather via ACARS. The First Officer submitted the request but whilst waiting for the printout, suddenly lost consciousness. Cabin crew were called to assist and having briefed them on immediate actions, the Captain declared MAYDAY. The First Officer was not fit to resume his pilot role and was removed to the passenger cabin with the Captain completing the flight operating alone with an uneventful landing 20 minutes later. 

Investigation 

After interviewing both pilots and determining that a Serious Incident had occurred, the Taiwan Transportation Safety Board (TTSB) notified the ICAO and delegated the Investigation to the Korean Aviation Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB). Relevant data from both the aircraft FDR and CVR were downloaded and all members of the flight and cabin crew were interviewed.

It was noted that the 47 year old Captain had been employed by Asiana since 2008 and had recorded a total of 9,893 hours flying experience with the airline of which 4,026 hours were on type including time in command since his promotion to Captain in February 2018. The 27 year old First Officer had total of 836 hours flying experience which included 532 hours on type after joining the airline in April 2018 had subsequently being released for unrestricted line flying on type on 18 February 2019.