A Delta flight flying from Los Angeles to Boston was forced to make an emergency landing in Detroit following an urgent health problem during the flight. The aircraft commander sent a radio message that he became unwell and needed hospitalization. During the communication, the captain stated his condition directly, stating, "This is the captain. I'm the one that's ill."

Following the announcement of his illness, the pilot changed flight paths to Detroit to get medical help. The unexpected arrival in Detroit permitted the captain to obtain hospital treatment for his medical issue.