Passenger plane pilot DIES mid-flight, forcing jet to make emergency landing in New York
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A passenger jet pilot died after collapsing mid-flight, forcing the Turkish Airlines plane to make an emergency landing in New York, the airline said Wednesday.
The Airbus 350 had taken off from the western US coastal city of Seattle on Tuesday evening on its way to Istanbul, aviation spokesperson Yahya Ustun wrote on X.
He said the pilot of flight TK204, whom he identified as Ilcehin Pehlivan, collapsed during the flight.
“After a failed attempt to provide first aid, the flight crew of another pilot and a co-pilot decided to make an emergency landing, but he died before landing,” Ustun said.
The 59-year-old pilot, who had worked for Turkish Airlines since 2007, had undergone a medical examination in March, according to Ustun, who said there was no evidence of health problems.
Ilcehin Pehlivan, 59, who worked for Turkish Airlines since 2007, reportedly passed a medical examination in March
The plane had taken off from the western US coastal city of Seattle on Tuesday evening and was en route to Istanbul when it had to make an emergency landing
Flight trackers show when the plane deviates from its route and heads towards JFK airport
The spokesperson added in his statement: “As the family of Turkish Airlines, we wish God’s mercy for our captain and patience for his grieving family, all his colleagues and loved ones.”
Flight trackers show the plane’s route Tuesday evening before it was abruptly diverted to JFK International Airport.
The plane is said to have landed safely in New York, while the passengers continued their journey to Turkey via JFK.