While sitting in the cockpit of an EasyJet aircraft from London Luton to Agadir, Morocco, the captain ‘dislocated his shoulder’ while the plane was at 37,000 feet.
Because the pilot was in so much pain, the First Officer was forced to take command of the plane and make an emergency landing at Faro, Portugal.
The Airbus A320 plane landed safely and without incident less than 20 minutes after diverting off course, and the Captain was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The return trip on Monday had to be canceled and passengers had to stay in hotels for the night.
A spokesman for EasyJet refused to reveal why the Captain became incapacitated, citing medical confidentiality, however, sources at Faro airport indicated it was due to a shoulder injury sustained during the trip.
“EasyJet can confirm that flight EZY2213 from Luton to Agadir diverted to Faro due to the captain requiring medical assistance,” the airline said in an emailed statement.
“The First Officer landed the aircraft in line with standard operating procedures and the Captain was met by paramedics on arrival,” the statement continued.
A group of British Airways pilots who fly the same A320 series planes as EasyJet are suing their company for alleged spine and neck injuries caused by straining to see at a security camera display in the cockpit, according to the suit.
To avoid a 9/11-style terror attack, pilots must check the so-called Cockpit Door Surveillance System before unlocking the cockpit, however, the monitor has been installed behind the crew seats on some aircraft.
Because the crew seat does not swivel, pilots must twist in their seats to see the monitor.
The 16 pilots claim that seeing the CDSS requires frequent twisting and turning, which has resulted in a variety of neck and spinal problems. The action, which seeks £250,000 in damages, is being fought by British Airways.
