An off-duty pilot from another airline has helped a Southwest Airlines plane land safely in Las Vegas after one of its pilots required “medical attention” shortly after departure.
A Southwest Airlines spokesman told FOX Business that the incident involving Flight 6013 from Las Vegas to Columbus, Ohio, happened on Wednesday.
“The Pilot was removed from the Flight Deck as they were unable to perform their duties,” the airline said, describing how “one of our Pilots needed medical attention.”
“A credentialed Pilot from another airline, who was on board, entered the Flight Deck and assisted with radio communication while our Southwest Pilot flew the aircraft,” it added. “We greatly appreciate their support and assistance.”
Flight data shows the plane first took off from Las Vegas around 6:30 a.m. local time before turning around over Utah and landing back in Las Vegas around 8 a.m.
“The flight landed safely, and an alternate Flight Crew operated the flight to CMH,” the Southwest Airlines spokesman said. “We commend the Crew for their professionalism and appreciate our Customers’ patience and understanding regarding the situation.”
The plane eventually took off again three hours later and made it to Columbus, Ohio.