NEWARK, N.J. — A frightening in-flight emergency prompted a Canada-bound plane from Newark to divert to Boston after the captain suffered a medical episode while in the air.
Air Canada Flight AC7664, operated by regional partner PAL Airlines, departed Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday afternoon for Halifax, Nova Scotia.
According to officials, the captain experienced a medical incident during the flight and was taken out of the flight deck.
One passenger who spoke with ABC News described the tense moments as the emergency unfolded.
“The flight started swerving violently. Within a few moments, flight attendants entered the cockpit frantically, and a few moments later he was dragging one of the pilots out of the cockpit,” passenger Rodney McDonald said.
McDonald said the pilot appeared to be experiencing some kind of medical episode, prompting him and several other passengers to step in and assist the crew.
“It was really horrifying. Myself and about four others worked to get him under control. It was a fairly strenuous 40 minutes keeping him down,” McDonald said.
The first officer took command of the De Havilland Q400 and diverted to Boston, where the aircraft landed safely with 61 passengers on board.
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“Every thought goes through your mind. You start praying. My boys instantly started praying… so I’m told. I was at the front of the plane. I’m just grateful for how it all ended.”
Pilots are trained to fly aircrafts and land safely without the assistance of a second pilot.
Passengers say the captain was not coherent until the emergency landing when he appeared to come out of the medical episode.
Those on the flight say they used seatbelts to restrain his arms and legs.
Medical experts do advise that if you are ever in that situation and someone appears to be having a seizure, it is best not to hold them down so as to avoid further injury but instead clear the area of sharp objects and turn the person gently on their side while keeping their airway clear.
Video shows first responders carefully removing the pilot from the aircraft. Authorities say he was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital where he is receiving medical treatment.
Work is now underway by the airline to provide the impacted customers with travel arrangements to complete their journeys as soon as possible.
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