Food poisoning caused pilot to collapse while landing in Nice.

Incident on a Zurich-to-Nice flight

According to TSN.ua: On August 11, 2018, the captain of an Airbus A320-214 lost consciousness during the landing approach in Nice. The aircraft, carrying 166 passengers, touched down safely thanks to the quick actions of the first officer. An investigation later revealed that food poisoning was to blame for the pilot's sudden collapse.

The captain had been feeling unwell during the flight. At approximately 20:53:18 UTC, he passed out, causing the plane to bank roughly 10 degrees to the right and 8 degrees to the left. At an altitude of about 200 feet, the captain began to regain consciousness. Despite the critical situation, the first officer managed to land the aircraft safely on the runway.

No passengers or crew members were injured, and the plane sustained no damage. This event highlights the value of rigorous pilot training and the ability to handle in-flight emergencies effectively.

Why crew preparedness matters

The Zurich-to-Nice incident underscores how vital it is for flight crews to be ready for unexpected onboard crises. In this case, the first officer's professionalism was key to a safe outcome. It also points to the importance of regular medical check-ups for pilots to help prevent similar emergencies in the future.