By Peace Udugba
Passengers aboard an Air Canada regional flight helped restrain the captain after he suffered a medical emergency, reportedly a seizure, while the aircraft was en route from Newark, New Jersey, to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Air Canada said Flight AC7664, operated by PAL Airlines, was carrying 61 passengers when the first officer took control of the aircraft and safely diverted it to Boston, where it landed without incident. The captain was later taken to a hospital for treatment.
One of the passengers, Rodney McDonald, said the plane suddenly swerved several times, prompting concern before a flight attendant rushed into the cockpit. He and several other passengers assisted in restraining the captain while a registered nurse on board provided medical support.
The first officer safely flew and landed the aircraft in Boston, following standard aviation safety procedures.
