Overview
- The PAL Airlines flight operating as Air Canada Express left Newark for Halifax and, Wednesday, the aircraft began unusual movements before the first officer diverted and landed at Boston Logan just before 2 p.m.
- Massachusetts State Police and Air Canada confirmed the captain became incapacitated, was removed from the flight deck under safety protocols, and was taken to a Mass General Brigham hospital for evaluation.
- Multiple passengers, supported by flight attendants and a registered nurse on board, say they restrained the captain during an apparent seizure for about 40 minutes while the co‑pilot flew the plane to safety.
- All 61 passengers disembarked without reported injuries and Air Canada is arranging onward travel for those affected as Massport Fire Rescue and Boston EMS met the aircraft on arrival.
- Federal aviation authorities and local officials are expected to review the incident, which highlights pilot training that allows a single qualified co‑pilot to land safely and raises questions about in‑flight medical response procedures.