Probable cause
The flight attendant's incapacitation due to an anxiety attack.
NTSB analysis
While in cruise flight, the cockpit crew was alerted by a passenger that the single flight attendant had become "no longer coherent" and was performing "numerous unusual activities." The captain instructed the passenger to get the flight attendant seated and the beverage cart stowed, and then diverted to a nearby airport. The flight attendant was transported to a local emergency room and diagnosed with "acute anxiety." There were no indications that the flight attendant had any pre-existing medical or psychiatric conditions. According to 14 Code of Federal Regulations 121.391, a single flight attendant was required for the incident flight. In addition, there are no medical standards for flight attendants currently stipulated by federal regulations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09IA606 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 31, 2009
- Type
- Incident
- Place
- Traverse City, Michigan
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
340B
- N-number
- N452XJ
- Category
- Airplane
- Operating rule
- Part 121 (airline)
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.