Two Cathay Pacific pilots report sudden loss of vision on separate flights
Cathay Pacific is investigating how two captains on separate flights mysteriously suffered a temporary loss of eyesight while at the controls.
In both cases, the first officer took command of the aircraft.
The incidents took place in January and February this year.
In the first case the pilot suffered a sudden loss of vision for about 30 minutes when flying between Sapporo and Hong Kong.
He remained conscious but the first officer was forced to take over.
On a separate Perth-Hong Kong flight a captain complained of being out of breath and his vision was impaired, and then declared he was incapacitated, according to a preliminary report by the Air Accident Investigation Authority.
Both flights landed safely and both pilots were experienced and medically fit to fly.
The air accident agency cited ‘flight crew incapacitation’ and classed them as ‘serious incidents.’
"The authority will continue to collect and study all relevant information in order to determine the circumstances and causes of the serious incidents. More in-depth investigation and analysis have to be conducted before any conclusion can be drawn," an agency spokesman said.
It could take up to a year to complete the investigation.
Civic Party lawmaker Jeremy Tam Man-ho, who is a commercial pilot, says temporary loss of vision is rare but needs to be fully investigated.
"We can’t jump to conclusions at the moment. This could be because of sudden illness to the pilot, or eye problems, or blood pressure problems. It is for the authority to investigate the cause of the incidents," he said.
Cathay said the cockpit crew following standard operating procedures in both cases.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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