The pilot of a Chicago flight bound for Columbus, Ohio, passed out suddenly after takeoff Saturday evening, prompting a co-pilot to make a return flight back to the airport.
The pilot, who was a captain in training for American Airlines subsidiary Envoy Air, later died at the hospital, according to reports.
In an audio recording of the interaction with air traffic control, the co-pilot is heard relaying, “We need to return. Captain is incapacitated… he’s knocked out. We’re going to need paramedics.”
FAA is now investigating after the captain of American Eagle (Envoy) Flight 3556 became incapacitated shortly after taking off from ORD Saturday night. The captain died later at a hospital. The copilot safely landed the plane at ORD. 57 passengers & crewpic.twitter.com/pcvFIuUCM9
— Kris Van Cleave (@krisvancleave) November 22, 2022
fter a brief 37 minutes of flight time, the co-pilot was successfully able to return the plane back to Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
“Dear fellow pilots,” related Envoy Vice President of Flight Operations Captain Ric Wilson. “Last night Envoy Flight 3556 from ORD to CMH declared an emergency immediately after takeoff due to an incapacitated pilot. The flight promptly returned to ORD and was landed safely.”
“Despite heroic efforts to revive him, Captain in training, Patrick Ford passed away. We’re deeply saddened by this loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
“Sincere thanks to Line Check Airman, Captain Brandon Hendrickson, for his leadership and professionalism in the safe handling of his aircraft, passengers and crew,” Captain Wilson’s message stated.