A pilot was forced to declare himself incapacitated while flying over the South China Sea from Perth to Hong Kong when he became short of breath and his vision was impaired.
Cathay Pacific flight CX170 was flying from Perth International Airport to Hong Kong, and was carrying 270 passengers and 13 crew members at the time.
The pilot announced to his crew that he felt unwell with over an hour left in the flight, and the co-pilot was forced to take command.
At an altitude of 11,580 metres, the AAIA’s preliminary report revealed a “recognised medical professional” was on board the aircraft at the time of the incident, who provided assistance to the pilot.