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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Stewardess Helps Land Flight After Co-Pilot Cracks

Licensed pilot jumps in on London-bound plane after man suffers breakdown

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(Newser) – After an Air Canada captain had his co-pilot handcuffed and dragged from his seat during a January flight, a female flight attendant helped steer the London-bound passenger jet to safety in Ireland, the Guardian reports. The original co-pilot was “quite harried” when he entered the cockpit, a report released today shows, and his condition quickly deteriorated mid-air.

“The first officer began conversation which was rambling and disjointed in nature,” the report says, becoming belligerent and uncooperative. A struggle ensued, and the cabin crew helped remove the pilot, who was later checked into a psychiatric unit. The heroic attendant, a qualified commercial pilot, came forward when the captain asked passengers if any professional pilots were on board.

The fatigued co-pilot (not pictured) became belligerent once on board, the report says.
The fatigued co-pilot (not pictured) became belligerent once on board, the report says.   (AP Photo)
The Air Canada jet made an emergency landing in Ireland after the co pilot sufferend a breakdown.
The Air Canada jet made an emergency landing in Ireland after the co pilot sufferend a breakdown.   (AP Photo)
The investigation report hailed the cabin crew for handling the situation with calm.
The investigation report hailed the cabin crew for handling the situation with calm.   (AP Photo)
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Mr.C
Nov 19, 08 6:15 PM CST
I've been on a lot of flights and I would love it if my captain asked us if anyone knew how to fly. What a fun story to tell. Reply
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