Plane lands safely at Logan after pilot becomes incapacitated, Massport says
By Veronica Haynes, Sera Congi, Peter Eliopoulos
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EAST BOSTON, Massachusetts (WCVB) — A plane landed safely at Boston Logan International Airport on Wednesday after its captain became incapacitated during the flight, according to airport officials.
Massachusetts State Police said airport officials were notified at about 1:37 p.m. that a pilot aboard the Air Canada flight was incapacitated.
Air Canada flight 7664, being operated by regional partner PAL Airlines, was traveling from Newark Liberty International Airport to Halifax Stanfield International Airport in Nova Scotia when the incident occurred.
“During the flight, the captain experienced a medical issue and was removed from the flight deck as per safety protocols. The first officer took control of the aircraft and diverted the flight to Boston, where it landed safely,” Air Canada said in a statement.
There were 61 customers aboard the aircraft. The De Havilland twin-turboprop landed without incident, according to Massport.
“When the plane swerved, I knew something was wrong. It was not turbulence. It really felt like someone jolted the controls, and it happened over and over again,” said passenger Rodney McDonald. “Within a few moments one of the flight attendants went into the cockpit frantically, and a few moments later he was dragging one of the pilots out of the cockpit.”
From Sky 5, Massport Fire Rescue and Boston EMS crews could be seen surrounding the aircraft on the runway. The captain was taken for medical treatment in Boston. No additional information about their condition was immediately available.
Co-pilots are ready to step in when an incident like this takes place, said former Massport CEO Tom Kinton.
“I’m sure the passengers were alerted to this on board; I’m sure the co-pilot had to take command of the aircraft; he’s fully capable to do that,” Kinton said. “They don’t typically have as many hours as the left seat, but that doesn’t mean they’re not qualified to fly the plane.”
The plane was moved to Terminal B gate. The flight was rescheduled to leave Boston for Halifax at 6:45 p.m.
“Every thought goes through your mind, you start praying, my boys started praying as well, but just grateful for how it all ended,” McDonald said.
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