New Jersey, United States: An Air Canada Express flight bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia, was forced to divert to Boston on Wednesday after the aircraft’s captain suffered a serious medical emergency while the flight was airborne, prompting an emergency response from crew members, passengers and aviation authorities.
The incident occurred aboard Air Canada Express Flight AC7664, operated by regional carrier PAL Airlines using a De Havilland Dash 8-400 (Q400) turboprop aircraft.
According to Air Canada, the flight departed Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey at approximately 12:55 p.m. EDT on June 24 and was scheduled to operate a routine service to Halifax Stanfield International Airport in Nova Scotia.
The aircraft was carrying 61 passengers. Air Canada said the captain experienced a medical issue during the flight and was removed from the flight deck in accordance with established safety procedures. The first officer immediately assumed control of the aircraft and initiated a diversion to Boston Logan International Airport.
The airline emphasized that pilots are trained to safely operate and land aircraft independently if circumstances require.
Flight-tracking data reviewed by multiple media outlets showed the aircraft had been airborne for roughly an hour when the diversion occurred. Data indicated the aircraft began descending approximately 30 minutes after departure before proceeding toward Boston. The flight, which normally takes about two hours and 15 minutes, did not continue to Halifax as planned.
Passengers Describe Sudden Mid-Air Emergency. Several passengers later described a dramatic sequence of events inside the cabin. Passenger Rodney McDonald told ABC News that the situation became apparent when the aircraft suddenly swerved during flight.
According to McDonald, the movement did not resemble turbulence and instead felt as though the flight controls had been abruptly disturbed multiple times.
“The moment the plane swerved, I knew something was wrong because it was not turbulence,” he told ABC News.
McDonald said concern quickly spread through the cabin, with passengers fearing a potentially serious emergency. He recalled his children immediately beginning to pray as uncertainty grew over the aircraft’s condition.
The situation escalated when, according to passenger accounts, a flight attendant rushed into the cockpit before emerging with one of the pilots.
McDonald said cabin crew members appeared to be struggling with the incapacitated pilot and requested assistance from passengers.
Several travelers responded. Passenger Elizabeth Akinyemi told ABC News that the captain appeared to be suffering what looked like a seizure. She said the medical episode continued for approximately 40 minutes.
Witnesses reported that the pilot displayed erratic behavior and at times attempted to return to the cockpit while experiencing the medical event.
McDonald said he and approximately four other passengers helped crew members restrain the captain in the cabin while the first officer continued flying the aircraft toward Boston.
No injuries among passengers were reported safe Landing In Boston. The first officer successfully diverted and landed the aircraft at Boston Logan International Airport at approximately 2 p.m. local time.
The Federal Aviation Administration later confirmed that Air Canada Flight 7664 landed safely after the crew reported a pilot medical emergency.
Massachusetts State Police said authorities were notified at approximately 1:37 p.m. that a crew member had suffered a medical emergency and that the aircraft was being flown by the co-pilot.
State police patrol units and a marine unit responded as a precaution ahead of the aircraft’s arrival.
Television footage from Boston showed emergency vehicles surrounding the aircraft shortly after landing. Massport Fire Rescue personnel and Boston EMS crews met the aircraft on the runway.
Video and aerial footage captured emergency responders bringing a stretcher to the aircraft before transporting the pilot from the airplane.
The captain was subsequently taken to Massachusetts General Hospital for treatment. Officials have not publicly disclosed the pilot’s identity, medical condition or the precise nature of the medical emergency. Passengers Continue Journey. Following the safe landing, Air Canada said it began making alternate travel arrangements for affected passengers.
The passengers were expected to continue their journey to Halifax later the same day. The FAA has not announced any formal investigation beyond its standard review procedures associated with in-flight medical emergencies.
