- Air Canada flight AC7664 was forced to divert to Boston's Logan International Airport after the captain suffered a medical issue midair, according to the airline.
- The flight was en route from Newark to Halifax with 61 passengers on board when the incident occurred.
- The captain was removed from the flight deck as per safety protocols, and the first officer took control of the aircraft.
- The plane landed safely in Boston at 1:37 p.m. local time, confirmed by the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport).
- Passengers helped restrain the captain during the medical emergency, which appeared to be a seizure lasting about 40 minutes.
- The pilot was taken to Mass General Hospital for evaluation after the incident, but no further information on his condition has been released.
- Massachusetts State Police reported that Logan Airport officials were alerted about the situation just before 1:40 p.m.
- The flight was operated by PAL Airlines and was traveling from Newark Liberty International Airport to Halifax Stanfield International Airport in Nova Scotia.
An Air Canada flight from Newark to Halifax was diverted to Boston after the captain experienced a medical emergency midair. The incident occurred on Flight AC7664, operated by PAL Airlines, with 61 passengers aboard.2
According to Air Canada, the captain was removed from the flight deck as per safety protocols. The first officer took control and successfully diverted the aircraft, landing at Logan International Airport at 1:37 p.m. local time.3
Massachusetts State Police confirmed that the plane landed without incident, and the captain was taken to Mass General Hospital for evaluation. Passengers reported that the captain appeared to have a seizure, with one passenger, Rodney McDonald, stating, “When the plane swerved, I knew something was wrong. It was not turbulence.”7
McDonald, along with other passengers, helped restrain the captain during the emergency, which lasted about 40 minutes. A registered nurse on board assisted in managing the situation, while flight attendants remained calm throughout the ordeal.
Air Canada emphasized that both pilots are fully qualified to operate the aircraft, with the first officer capable of taking command in emergencies. The flight was rescheduled to depart Boston for Halifax later that evening.
“A lot of people have this idea that a co-pilot is kind of an apprentice... Both pilots are fully qualified,” said Kinton, highlighting the professionalism of the crew during the incident.
The Massachusetts Port Authority confirmed that emergency services responded as necessary, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew involved.
“An Air Canada flight was diverted to Boston after the captain became incapacitated, leading to passenger intervention during the emergency. The first officer successfully took control and landed the plane safely.”
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