Pilot Heart Attack Leads To Death Aboard United Airlines Flight


A pilot’s heart attack aboard a United Airlines jet has resulted in tragedy. The pilot, who has not yet been identified, passed away after suffering from an in-flight heart attack that led to an emergency landing in Boise, Idaho.

The Seattle-bound United Airlines flight 1603 took off from Houston with 161 passengers on board and landed after making an emergency call.

The planes pilot was immediately evacuated from the jet upon landing and they were rushed to a local hospital.

According to United spokeswoman Christen David, the pilot died as the result of the medical emergency.

Christen issued a short United Airlines statement following the pilots death: “I am sad to confirm that our co-worker passed away last night,” she said. “Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

After the pilot was delivered to emergency crews the company’s Boeing 737 aircraft continued on its way to Seattle. Passengers were delivered to their final destination just after Midnight local time.

In 2007 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) increased the age limit on pilots from 60 to 65. Following this incident the debate over age restriction will likely surface once again. At this time we don’t know the age of the pilot who died as a result of a heart attack.

Recently the FAA began more closely examining the effects of prescription and over-the-counter medications on a pilots health.

With an emergency landing now under review the FAA will be more closely monitoring the health of pilots to determine new stringent guidelines.

While the pilot’s heart attack was a tragic event it is unlikely that the FAA will take any action for a health related event that can happen to both younger and older pilots.

Do you think the pilot’s heart attack should lead to more stringent FAA guidelines for airline worker health standards?

Share this article: Pilot Heart Attack Leads To Death Aboard United Airlines Flight
More from Inquisitr