easyJet flight forced to make emergency landing after pilot BLACKS OUT
AN EASYJET plane was forced to make an emergency landing today after its pilot BLACKED OUT during a flight, it has been reported.
The packed jet was en route to Crete from Gatwick Airport, but had to be diverted to Venice earlier today after the captain was taken ill.
It was landed safely this afternoon at the Marco Polo Airport after the co-pilot took control and activated "emergency procedures" on Flight 5461.
Related articles
The plane had taken off from Gatwick Airport at 7:25am and had landed in Venice around midday UK time.
The easyJet website read: "We sincerely apologise for the diversion to Venice today.
"This is due to your captain being taken ill during the flight."
The pilot is now reported to be in hospital and is not in a life-threatening condition.
There are no reports of any injuries.
A spokesman for the budget airline said the flight was diverted "as a result of the Captain requiring medical assistance".
They continued: "The First Officer performed a routine landing in line with procedures.
"The aircraft landed safely and was met by emergency services on arrival.
"The safety and well-being of its passengers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority."
Top 10 Facts About Flying
Captain Michael Johnson, 57, fell ill while flying 147 passengers on board an Airbus A320 from Phoenix to Boston.
Then in another incident earlier this week, a plane carrying nearly 200 passengers was forced to make an emergency landing after the co-pilot passed out.
The United Airlines plane was travelling to San Fransisco, US, to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
