I worked at NORAD for over a decade. We would constantly monitor something called the Domestic Events Network (referred to as the DEN) that was set up in the wake of 9/11. It's an FAA-sponsored telephonic conference call that is in use 24/7. You can hear anything of interest dealing with aviation (mostly commercial aviation) over the network. Pilot incapacitation would most definitely be reported over the DEN.
Even with all of my time monitoring US airspace, I'm struggling to recall where an airline pilot had a medical issue serious enough to require special handling of an aircraft. I think I may have heard one or two. In fact, a story that sticks out far more is when a pilot went to the lavatory and locked himself out of the cockpit. The copilot had to fly the plane and land it by himself. Link to article
These events were extremely rare prior to the last couple of years. Now, we have stories of pilots having heart attacks in flight, or the one where a pilot died during takeoff being reported on what seems like a regular basis.
“... being reported on what seems like a regular basis.”
Odd how that is. I wonder whatever could it be?....................
Thank you, that’s much more valid information than the usual knee-jerk assumptions.