Dramatic moment a Royal Flying Doctor Service plane rushes to the rescue of a pilot who had a medical episode midair
- Cesna 208 was flying from Cairns when air traffic control lost contact with pilot
- The plane was due to land at Redcliffe Airport but continued ahead for 120km
- Controller alerted Royal Flying Doctor Service who said pilot appeared ‘groggy’
- They eventually got in touch with pilot who safely landed at Gold Coast Airport
A pilot who suffered a medical episode during his flight is lucky to be alive after Royal Flying Doctor Service rescued him.
The Cesna 208 was flying from Cairns north of Brisbane on Thursday when air traffic control lost contact with the pilot.
The pilot was due to land the plane at Redcliffe Airport but continued ahead for 120km.
The Cesna 208 (stock) was flying from Cairns north of Brisbane on Thursday when air traffic control lost contact with the pilot
The controller alerted the Royal Flying Doctor Service who flew alongside the Cesna 208 in hopes of alerting the pilot.
Audio of the rescue has been released as they alert the controller that the pilot appears to be unresponsive.
‘The pilot appears to be groggy and search and rescue is looking for him,’ the scanner audio revealed.
‘He appears to have had some form of medical episode and he’s about 70miles from his destination
‘He looks like he’s asleep and the crew is on autopilot.
‘We have limited or some communication with the pilot.’
The controller alerted the Royal Flying Doctor Service (stock) who flew alongside the Cesna 208 in hopes of alerting the pilot
The rescue team was eventually able to get in contact with the pilot who made his way to Gold Coast Airport and safely landed.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is now investigating the reason behind the pilot’s incapacitation.
‘The evidence collection phase of the investigation will include interviewing the pilot and other involved parties, obtaining air traffic control surveillance and audio data,’ they said.
The rescue team was eventually able to get in contact with the pilot who made his way to Gold Coast Airport and safely landed