Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 127; Flight Crew Total 1058; Flight Crew Type 153
Physiological - Other
Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Inflight Event / Encounter Unstabilized Approach
General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Human Factors
During cruise; Captain reported feeling unwell and transferred flight controls to the First Officer (FO). FO suggested he drink some water and checked the pressurization; trying to determine the cause. Soon after; ATC began descending the flight for arrival into [destination airport]. FO flew down and Captain; although still responsive; was unable to perform duties as pilot monitoring. Due to task saturation; the plane flew through the final approach course while still descending to the assigned altitude. FO disengaged autopilot and attempted to rejoin the approach; but due to the state of the aircraft and a cloud layer covering the field; decided to level off re-engage the auto pilot and ask for vectors around to rejoin the approach. While being vectored FO asked the Captain if he would be able to taxi upon landing to which he responded yes. The approach and landing were completed and passengers were deplaned with the flight deck door closed. During deplaning; Dispatch was called to inform them of the situation and request medical assistance for the Captain. The event began when the captain first verbalized he was not feeling well. FO's reaction was to take control of the aircraft and perform the descent approach and landing getting the Captain to medical personnel as quickly as safety allowed. The Captain asked that a medical emergency not be declared. FO could have declared an emergency regardless of Captains request. Also; FO could have asked for vectors on the descent rather than trying to rush down in a high workload situation.
Air carrier First Officer reported the Captain had become ill enroute forcing the First Officer to conduct all of the flight deck duties alone for the remainder of the flight.