Turkish Airlines pilot who died mid-flight from Seattle to Istanbul passed recent medical test, airline says
A pilot who died on board a Turkish Airlines flight from Seattle to Istanbul passed his most recent medical assessment before the flight, the airline said.
After initial medical intervention on board failed to revive the captain, the second pilot and co-pilot decided to make an emergency landing.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Pehlivan died before the aircraft could land, the airline said.
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.
Data from the tracking site FlightAware shows that the flight successfully landed just before 6am EDT.
Pehlivan was declared dead on arrival.
His cause of death has not yet been released.
Üstün said the pilot, who worked for the airline since 2007, underwent a routine health check in March and “no health problem was detected that would prevent him from working”.
“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 US Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the incident in a statement and told the New York Times, one of the pilots “suffered a medical emergency.”
Arrangements have been made for passengers to reach their destination from New York.
- With AP
Originally published on 7NEWS
