B772, en-route, north of Bahrain, 2017

B772, en-route, north of Bahrain, 2017

Summary

On 27 September 2017, a Boeing 777-200LRF Captain left the flight deck to retrieve their crew meal about 40 minutes after departing Abu Dhabi but whilst doing so he collapsed unconscious in the galley and despite assistance subsequently died. A MAYDAY was declared and a diversion to Kuwait successfully completed by the remaining pilot. The Investigation determined that the cause of death was cardiopulmonary system collapse due to a stenosis in the coronary artery. It was noted that the Captain’s medical condition had been partially concealed from detection because of his unapproved use of potentially significant self-medication.

Description

On 27 September 2017, a Boeing 777-200LRF (A6-DDE) being operated by Etihad Airways on an international cargo flight from Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam as ETD927 was in the cruise over international airspace controlled from Bahrain in day VMC when the Captain, who had just left the flight deck to get his crew meal from the galley collapsed and died despite immediate assistance being rendered by the Security Officer and Loadmaster on board and nearby. On being informed, the remaining pilot declared a MAYDAY and diverted the flight to Kuwait without further event.

Investigation

A comprehensive Investigation was carried out by the UAE GCAA Air Accident Investigation Sector. Relevant data in respect of the operation of the aircraft were obtained from downloaded data from both the CVR and FDR. 

It was noted that the 51 year-old Captain had a total of 16,547 hours flying experience which included 2,809 hours on type and the 46 year-old Co-Pilot (rank not stated) had a total of 13,205 hours flying experience which included 3,777 hours on type

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