Turkish Airlines pilot dies mid-flight from Seattle to Istanbul
A pilot has died on board a Turkish Airlines flight from Seattle to Istanbul, sparking an emergency landing in New York.
Pilot İlçehin Pehlivan, 59, lost consciousness at some point after flight TK204 took off from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport on the west coast of the United States just after 7pm PDT on Tuesday, Turkish Airlines spokesperson Yahya Üstün said.
After initial medical intervention on board proved effective, a decision was made by a second pilot and co-pilot to make an emergency landing.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The Airbus A350-900 was flying over Canada when it diverted to John F. Kennedy International Airport about four and a half hours into the flight. It successfully landed just before 6am EDT, however, Pehlivan was declared dead on arrival.
The pilot had worked at Turkish Airlines since 2007 and a routine health check in March showed no health problems that would have prevented him from working, Üstün said.
“As Turkish Airlines, we deeply feel the loss of our captain and extend our sincerest condolences to his bereaved family, colleagues, and all his loved ones,” he added.
TATCA - the country’s air traffic controllers association - said Pehlivan had “served the aviation community for many years” and offered its condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
The cause of his death has not been released.
Arrangements have been made for passengers to reach their destination from New York.
- with AP
Originally published on 7NEWS
