An Aeroflot flight packed with tourists made an emergency landing when the copilot suffered what turned out to be a fatal heart attack Sunday.
The Airbus A320 took off from Moscow headed to Anapa, Russia, but was diverted mid-flight to Rostov-on-Don when the copilot reported feeling “unwell,” according to reports.
“A female flight attendant ran through the plane asking if there was a doctor because one of the crew members was feeling unwell,” said one passenger, according to website Aviation24. “Several minutes later we were told that the aircraft was performing an emergency landing.”
The plane landed at Platov International Airport at about 10 a.m. local time, where the 49-year-old pilot received medical attention. He died en route to the hospital, Russian state news agency TASS reported.
“Unfortunately it was not possible to resuscitate the pilot,” an Aeroflot spokesman said, according to Aviation24. “He died in the ambulance.”
The airline said the pilot’s medical history was spotless and he had in fact passed medical tests the day before the flight, CNN reported.
“Everyone at Aeroflot is deeply saddened by our colleague’s death, and we extend our sincere condolences to his friends and loved ones,” the airline said in a statement obtained by CNN.
Passengers and the rest of the crew were all unscathed, TASS said. The matter is being investigated.
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