October 09, (THEWILL) – A Turkish Airlines pilot died after collapsing mid-flight, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in New York, the airline said on Wednesday.
The pilot identified as Captain Ilcehin Pehlivan collapsed mid-air, prompting a second pilot and co-pilot to take over the controls.
The incident occurred shortly after the flight departed from Seattle on Tuesday evening. Despite immediate efforts to administer first aid, the 59-year-old pilot passed away before the plane could land
“The pilot of our Airbus 350, flight TK204 from Seattle to Istanbul collapsed during the flight. After an unsuccessful attempt to give first aid, the flight crew of another pilot and a co-pilot decided to make an emergency landing, but he died before landing.
“As the Turkish Airlines family, we wish God’s mercy upon our captain and patience to his grieving family, all his colleagues and loved ones”, Turkish Airlines Spokesman, Yahya Ustun wrote on X.
The 59-year-old pilot, who had worked for Turkish Airlines since 2007, had passed a medical examination in March, which gave no indication of any health problems, Ustun added.
