PC-12
Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Diverted; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Human Factors
Captain had cold symptoms the previous day and the morning of this incident. At the beginning of the day we discussed him calling out sick; but he elected not to as he felt he could complete the day safely. I agreed because his symptoms seemed to be that of a typical cold. Twenty minutes after departing; I noticed he seemed uncomfortable and had chills. We turned the heat up and continued the flight. At around an hour he became very noticeably uncomfortable and didn't look very well. His skin was flush on his face and he still complained of being too cold despite turning the temperature up and wearing his sweater. He began to feel nauseous and felt he had a fever. He eventually decided it best to divert; as he became worried he may faint or get sick. I asked ATC for the diversion and stated 'crew illness' for the reason.After making the turn and starting a descent; the Captain tried to help with what he could; but was becoming increasingly lethargic. The final ten minutes or so of the flight he was essentially incapacitated. He seemed to be in and out of consciousness as I noticed his head would slump forward or back. I would call his name or shake him which would bring him back; but he clearly wasn't with me 100%. On short final I asked that medical attention meet us on the ground at the FBO and the Tower had the full crew waiting for us. Paramedics helped the Captain from the cockpit; took his vitals and encouraged him to go to the hospital.
The First Officer had assumed control of the aircraft and was conducting flight operations mostly single pilot. Upon arrival; airport medical personnel met the aircraft on the ramp where all vitals were taken. The Captain was then taken by ambulance to the hospital for evaluation.
PC-12 flight crew reported the Captain became incapacitated during flight due to illness. Flight diverted to expedite medical attention.