Just In: Pilot Suffers Medical Condition Just Before Takeoff At NCC Airport

New Castle – At approximately 8:15 this morning, Wednesday, July 24, 2019, authorities at the New Castle County Airport alerted New Castle 911 that they had an emergency on an aircraft.

The incident began when the pilot of a KingAir reported a mechanical issue while taxiing out to Runway 1, according to James Salmon, Public Information Officer with the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA).

Salmon said Airport Operations responded to assist the pilot. When the crews arrived the pilot reportedly told them that he thought he was suffering a medical condition, according to Salmon.

Emergency medical units with the NCC Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Squad along with  Wilmington Manor and DRBA police responded to the scene. The pilot was evaluated and communicating with emergency personnel, said Salmon. He was later transported to the Christiana Medical Center for further evaluation., added Salmon.

During the incident, Airport Operations personnel closed Runways 1 and 32 due to the response. Aircraft operations were not impacted.