Three pilots on board a British Airways flight suffered food poisoning while mid-air, in a scenario reminiscent of the plot of the comedy film Airplane!. All the pilots on the flight to Heathrow became ill after a stopover in India.
Pilot incapacitated at 30,000 ft
The first pilot was rendered 'incapacitated' at 30,000 ft and had to be put on oxygen. The other two pilots managed to work but their symptoms continued to worsen. Despite the plane nearly being left without anyone able to fly it, British Airways said the safety of passengers was 'not compromised.'
Investigation and review
They told The Sun: 'He underwent a 12-hour operation after being taken to hospital once staff rescued him from the pit. The welfare of our colleagues is a top priority and we are reviewing crew accommodation in this location following some isolated reports of sickness.'
The pilots had shared breakfast in a hotel lounge in Hyderabad, but drank bottled water from an external company. They all filed Air Safety Reports and were asked to provide samples so doctors could try to pinpoint the source, with British Airways now reviewing their hotel options. Metro has contacted British Airways for comment.
