Air Canada Express Pilot Incapacitated Mid-Flight; Diverts to Boston

An Air Canada Express flight diverted to Boston Logan International Airport after the captain became medically incapacitated during a trip from Newark, N.J., to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Flight AC7664, operated by regional partner PAL Airlines on a De Havilland Dash 8-Q400 turboprop, was carrying 61 passengers when the captain suffered an apparent serious medical episode that caused the aircraft to suddenly swerve.

Passenger Rylan McDonald told ABC News the pilot appeared to be experiencing a seizure, describing it as a "terrifying flight." The first officer immediately assumed full control and declared an emergency diversion to Boston. Cabin crew and passengers worked together to remove the captain from the flight deck and secure him in the cabin using seat belts to prevent further interference with flight operations. A registered nurse among the passengers provided medical care until the aircraft landed safely.

Emergency crews met the aircraft on the tarmac and transported the captain to Massachusetts General Hospital. Air Canada confirmed the incident, saying the captain was removed from the flight deck "in accordance with established safety procedures," and praised the professionalism of the crew and the composure of the passengers. Aviation analyst and airline pilot Captain Steeeve noted the incident highlights the critical importance of Crew Resource Management and the built-in redundancy of two-pilot flight crews. Passengers later reboarded the aircraft and continued to Halifax without further incident.