Flight 6013 was destined for Colombus, Ohio, from Las Vegas on Wednesday when a medical emergency broke out mid-flight (file image)

An off-duty pilot who was a passenger on a Southwest airlines flight stepped in to help land the plane after one of the pilots fell ill.

Flight 6013 was destined for Colombus, Ohio, from Las Vegas on Wednesday when a medical emergency broke out mid-flight.

One of the pilots urgently required medical attention, leaving only one pilot in a position to fly the plane.

But thankfully the off-duty pilot from another airline was on board and ready to step in at a moment’s notice.

The latest incident follows a string of reports where pilots have been taken ill mid-flight. Aviation watchers have said this was the fifth time in just three weeks.

Flight 6013 was destined for Colombus, Ohio, from Las Vegas on Wednesday when a medical emergency broke out mid-flight (file image)

Flight 6013 was destined for Colombus, Ohio, from Las Vegas on Wednesday when a medical emergency broke out mid-flight (file image)

Flight 6013 was destined for Colombus, Ohio, from Las Vegas on Wednesday when a medical emergency broke out mid-flight (file image)

The off-duty pilot was able to assist with radio communication while the other Southwest pilot took control of the aircraft and landed it safely back in Las Vegas where a replacement flight crew was brought in.

‘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,’ a Southwest Airlines spokesperson told CNN. 

‘We greatly appreciate their support and assistance.’

A nurse who was a passenger on the flight also stepped in to assist the unwell pilot. His current condition is unknown.

Data from FlightAware.com showed the plane was in the air for one hour and six minutes. The plane banked and turned around to head back to Las Vegas around 26 minutes after taking off.

‘The flight landed safely, and an alternate flight crew is operating the flight to CMH (Columbus),’ a statement from the airline said.

‘We commend the crew for their professionalism and appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding regarding the situation.’

The Federal Aviation Administration said they will investigate the incident, as is procedure.

This is the latest in a string of aviation incidents in recent weeks with several on-duty pilots have become unwell and unable to fly.

Earlier this month, a transatlantic flight from Milan to New York was forced to turn back after the pilot was taken ill 30 minutes into the flight. Similarly a United Airlines flight from Guatemala to Chicago also had to divert because of an ‘incapacitated pilot’ reportedly had chest pains just two weeks ago. 

The off-duty pilot was able to assist with radio communication while the other Southwest pilot took control of the aircraft and landed it safely back in Las Vegas (file image)

The off-duty pilot was able to assist with radio communication while the other Southwest pilot took control of the aircraft and landed it safely back in Las Vegas (file image)

The off-duty pilot was able to assist with radio communication while the other Southwest pilot took control of the aircraft and landed it safely back in Las Vegas (file image)

Pilot Josh Yoder, who has a substantial following on Twitter, said the latest Southwestern incident saw the fifth pilot taken ill mid-air just this month.

He Tweeted: ‘This is now the fifth pilot incapacitation that I’m aware of in the past two weeks. I will post more details as they become available.’ 

The U.S. Department of Transportation released a safety alert for aircraft operators yesterday, waring that ‘several highly visible and notable recent events demonstrate the need for continued vigilance and attention to mitigation of safety risks’.

‘While the overall numbers do not reflect an increase in incidents and occurrences, the potential severity of these events is concerning,’ it added.

Just this year, there have been six serious runway incursions in the past three months.

Southwest Airlines reported that they were close to slamming the breaks on the runway due to an ambulance crossing its path in Baltimore. Another near collision saw a FedEx plane and Southwest Airlines plane reportedly came within 100ft of each other.

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