Jet lands safely after pilot suffers stroke

Philippine Airlines plane was carrying 79 passengers, pilot taken to hospital

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updated 12:51 p.m. ET Oct. 30, 2008

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Airlines says one of its pilots suffered a mild stroke just minutes before reaching his destination but was able to hand over control of the aircraft to his co-pilot who landed it safely.

Airline Vice President Rolando Estabillo says the incident Wednesday happened on a flight to central Bacolod city. The Airbus A320 was carrying 79 passengers.

He says pilot Alex Carvajal complained of pain in his nape and asked co-pilot Donato Cabigo to take over.

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According to Estabillo, Carvajal was lucid and continued to monitor the aircraft. No emergency was declared and the pilot was immediately taken to a hospital.

Estabillo says pilots undergo regular medical checkups.

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