CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) faced double trouble on December 22, 2024, on its two separate flights between Chicago (ORD) and Zurich (ZRH), Switzerland as the Pilot Incapacitated and a flight attendant injured.
The leading transatlantic routes operator connects Chicago and Zurich with one daily flight.
United Zurich to Chicago Flight
According to a report by aviation analyst and expert JonNYC, United Airlines Zurich to Chicago flight UA12 diverted to Halifax (YHZ), Canada as the pilot fell sick.
While United Airlines flight UA3 from Chicago to Zurich also diverted to Canada, but to Gander International Airport (YQX) as a flight attendant seriously injured.
JonNYC wrote,
Bad day to be flying between Chicago and Zürich on UAL. Zürich to Chicago diverted to Halifax because of a sick pilot, Chicago to Zürich is diverting because of a flight attendant injury.”
JonNYC
Let us see when the pilot incapacitated incident occurred using Flight Radar 24 data. United flight UA12 took off from Zurich at 1:26 AM UTC (2:26 AM local time).
After remaining airborne for around 7 hours, the flight crew reported a medical emergency as the pilot fell sick. Another pilot contacted ATC and decided to divert to Halifax.
The flight operated by 26.5-year-old Boeing 767-300ER, registered as N665UA landed safely at Halifax at 8:51 PM UTC.
United Airlines Boeing 767-300ER has Polaris, Premium Plus (Premium Economy), Economy Plus, and Economy seating:
- Polaris: 46 open-suite business class seats that convert into fully flat beds.
- Premium Plus: 22 recliner-style premium economy seats offering extra space, enhanced comfort, and upgraded amenities.
- Economy Plus: 43 standard seats with extended legroom.
- Economy: 56 standard seats designed for comfortable travel.
In total, there are 167 seats, however, how many passengers and cabin crew were onboard the flight is not known yet.
Flight Attendant Injured
According to FlightRadar24, United flight UA3 took off from Chicago at 10:31 PM UTC, and after being airborne for around four hours. The flight likely experienced turbulence, however, the exact reason behind the flight attendant’s injury is not revealed.
The flight diverted to Gander Airport and landed safely at 4:02 AM UTC. It was operated by 31.9 year old Boeing 767-300ER, registered as N658UA.
The airline has not yet issued a statement on these incidents.
Similar Incident
A WestJet Boeing 737 MAX flight safely reached its destination after an off-duty pilot assisted in the cockpit following the First Officer’s sudden incapacitation. The incident occurred on flight WS129 from Calgary to Vancouver on December 4, 2024.
The Canadian Transportation Safety Board reports that the First Officer experienced rapid health deterioration during the flight, prompting immediate action from the flight crew. An off-duty pilot traveling as a passenger volunteered to assist, taking a position in the cockpit to support flight operations.
The affected First Officer received medical attention in the cabin while the relief pilot worked alongside the Captain to maintain normal flight operations. The Captain proceeded with the standard approach and landing procedures, determining that an emergency declaration was unnecessary given the stabilized situation.
The aircraft touched down in Vancouver without complications after departing Calgary at 9:21 pm.
Featured Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
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