Passengers restrain pilot during apparent medical emergency on ‘terrifying’ flight

Passengers on a ship Air Canada flight He helped restrain a pilot who was experiencing a medical emergency when he apparently suffered a seizure for about 40 minutes after the plane suddenly changed direction mid-flight, according to a passenger who spoke exclusively to ABC News.

Air Canada said flight AC7664, operated by regional partner PAL Airlines, departed from Newark, New Jersey, en route to Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Wednesday and the captain suffered a medical emergency.

The co-pilot took control of the plane and directed it to Boston, where it landed safely. The captain was taken to the hospital for medical treatment, according to the airline.

The De Havilland Q400 carried 61 passengers. Air Canada said it was trying to arrange alternative travel for those on board.

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Rodney McDonald, who was traveling with his wife and two sons, told ABC News that the ordeal began when the plane shook unexpectedly.

“As soon as the plane changed direction, I knew something was wrong because it wasn’t turbulence,” he said. “It really felt like someone messed up the controls, and then it happened over and over again. And you know, every thought goes through your mind, you start praying. My boys started praying right away.”

A flight attendant ran into the cockpit before pulling one of the pilots into the aisle, McDonald said.

“One of the flight attendants frantically entered the cockpit and a few minutes later dragged one of the pilots from the cockpit towards the aisle side of the plane,” he said.

McDonald said the pilot had a seizure, and he and about four passengers helped hold the pilot while the co-pilot flew the plane to Boston.

People potentially experiencing seizures should never be held down due to the risk of further injury. CDC notes. Instead, the area should be cleared of sharp or dangerous objects; They should be gently turned onto their side and their airways should be kept open.

“Yes, it was truly terrifying. I was sitting in the front row and my family was coming behind them, just like the seating arrangement,” he explained. “And so I went back to sit next to them and noticed that the pilot was out of control, not violently but physically, as if it was clear that he was not in control of his abilities and needed to be restrained.”

He continued: “[We] “We worked to get him under control, it was quite exhausting for 40 minutes, holding him down and using as many harnesses as possible to restrain his legs, arms and chest.”

McDonald said a registered nurse on board helped direct passengers and assist the pilot in medical emergencies, and he praised the flight attendants for remaining calm throughout the ordeal.

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“The flight attendants were amazing. They stayed calm,” he said.

Emergency responders encountered the plane after it landed in Boston. McDonald said he was grateful everyone made it out safely.

“We’re grateful, grateful that it’s all over,” he added.