Pilot passes out during flight, passenger takes over

A pilot flying a light aircraft passed out 10 minutes after take-off, forcing the passenger to take control of the plane.

The plane had taken off from Forbes airport on January 25 when the pilot suffered a seizure and lost consciousness, The Australian Transport Safety Bureau found.

A doctor later determined the pilot probably lost consciousness due to dehydration, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

The pilot told the safety bureau he consumed a "moderate amount of alcohol" before sleeping for about five or six hours the night before the flight.

The report detailed that the pilot was feeling unwell but only consumed a cup of coffee before he decided to fly the plane.

The passenger, who had never flown a plane before, used the plane's radio to call for help when the pilot passed out.

A nearby pilot talked the passenger through what he needed to do.

He circled the airport for 22 minutes before the pilot regained consciousness and was able to land.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Author: Emily Crane, Approving editor: Natasha Lee