First Officer Lands With Captain Strapped Away From Controls

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) report says the pilot of a Qantas jet carrying 177 passengers landed with the captain restrained last May 12.

The ATSB says the captain left the cockpit shortly after the 767-300 departed Auckland, New Zealand complaining of nausea and feeling shaky. One flight attendant administered oxygen to the captain while another remained in the cockpit to monitor the first officer.

The first officer took control of the aircraft over the Tasman Sea and radioed ahead to have an ambulance meet the aircraft in Melbourne.

The ATSB report indicates the captain did return to the cockpit before landing, but his "...seat, seatbelt and harness were adjusted so that he could not inadvertently interfere with the operation of the aircraft."

Paramedics treated the captain at the aircraft following an uneventful landing and he was subsequently admitted to a local hospital.

ATSB investigators learned the captain had been suffering anxiety problems for several years. He was prescribed anti-depressants for the condition while also undergoing treatment for hypertension.

The ATSB investigation concluded the captain's anxiety attack likely resulted from fatigue and low blood pressure. The medication the captain was taking for his hypertension lowers blood pressure, and he reported he'd slept poorly the night before the flight.

While Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority was aware of the pilot's condition, it's unclear exactly what it was doing about it other than to monitor.

An Australian and International Pilots Association spokesman told The Age, and on-line Australian news service, that airlines monitor the mental health of pilots, but more education is needed. He added he believed sufficient support structures are in place to deal with problems of this nature and more education will further improve safety.

Qantas would not respond to requests for comment on the incident.

FMI: www.atsb.gov.au