( CNN ) -- An Alaska Airlines flight was diverted to Portland , Oregon , after the captain lost consciousness and the first officer was forced to take over , an airline spokesman said . The incident occurred Thursday night on Flight 473 from Los Angeles to Seattle , airline spokesman Paul McElroy said . When the captain lost consciousness , the first officer took over and piloted the aircraft to the closest airport , he said . A doctor on board the airplane treated the pilot until it landed in Portland and medical personnel arrived , he said . The captain was likely suffering from food poisoning or the flu , Alaska Airlines said Friday . The condition of the captain was not immediately available , but he `` is doing better today , '' airline spokeswoman Bobbie Egan said . There were 116 passengers and five crew members on board the plane , which landed in Portland without incident , according to the airline . The airline did not release the name of the captain but said he has been flying with Alaska for 28 years . The first officer has been with the airline for 11 years . Dutch 737 pilot locked out of cockpit while co-pilot sleeps .
NEW : Captain most likely had food poisoning or the flu , airline says . Flight 473 from Los Angeles to Seattle was diverted to Portland , Oregon . The captain lost consciousness midair , Alaska Airlines says . Comment: