SAAB 340B near Traverse City, MI — 2009-07-31

Probable cause

The flight attendant's incapacitation due to an anxiety attack.

NTSB narrative

While in cruise flight, the cockpit crew was alerted by a passenger that the single flight attendant had become "no longer coherent" and was performing "numerous unusual activities." The captain instructed the passenger to get the flight attendant seated and the beverage cart stowed, and then diverted to a nearby airport. The flight attendant was transported to a local emergency room and diagnosed with "acute anxiety." There were no indications that the flight attendant had any pre-existing medical or psychiatric conditions. According to 14 Code of Federal Regulations 121.391, a single flight attendant was required for the incident flight. In addition, there are no medical standards for flight attendants currently stipulated by federal regulations.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Human factors

First missed decision gate

Flight crew could have monitored flight attendant's condition more closely.

NTSB coding

• Cabin safety event · Enroute
• Impairment / Incapacitation

Evidence available

• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Medical Records Informationform
• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form

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