Pilot removed from plane after invoking the name of God
January 31, 2008 - 7:37AM
The co-pilot of an Air Canada plane was forcibly removed from his aircraft after crying, shouting and "invoking the name of God", reports said.
Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper reported that the co-pilot's apparent mental collapse Tuesday took place about one hour into a Toronto-to-London flight.
"It was a bit of a traumatic experience," one of the rattled 146 passengers on the flight told the daily.
The plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Shannon, Ireland.
The London Evening Standard reported that the co-pilot was held down by other crew members and a passenger, a member of the Canadian armed forces.
The co-pilot then had restraints fastened to his wrists and ankles and was handcuffed to a seat, the newspaper said.
Passenger Sean Finucane told the Standard of his shock as he witnessed the co-pilot being carried out of the cockpit in restraints.
He said: "He was very, very distraught. He was yelling loudly at times. When they tried to put his shoes on later he swore and he threatened people. His voice was clear so he didn't sound drunk or anything. He was swearing and was very distressed."
Mr Finucane told the Standard how the pilot kept shouting: "I need to talk to you God."
Shannon International Airport spokesman Eugene Pratt told the Globe and Mail: "The captain advised air traffic control that he was going to divert to Shannon due to a crew member being unwell."
Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick told the Canadian daily that the co-pilot "is now in hospital care", but would not comment on the nature of his illness out of privacy concerns.
AFP
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