Turkish Airlines said the pilot lost consciousness and died during a flight from Seattle to Istanbul.
The plane is emergency landing at JFK Airport in Queens around 6 a.m. after medical intervention, 4NBC New York reports. (Related: Dozens of people vomit during flight, plane lands: report)
“Our TC-LGR registered Airbus A350, operating flight TK204 from Seattle to Istanbul, encountered an mid-flight accident in which the captain, Ilcehin Pehlivan, lost consciousness,” said Senior Vice President, Media Relations. said Yahya Ustun. “After initial medical intervention on board proved ineffective, the cockpit crew, consisting of one captain and one co-pilot, decided to make an emergency landing. Unfortunately, our captain He died before.”
TK204 Seattle – Istanbul Seferini Airline TC-LGR Quiruk Tesili Airbus 350 Kaptan Pilot Pelimban with Tipi, Sefer Esnasunda Beyginluk Gesilmystyr. A pilot pilot flies a distance of 1 yard.
— Yahya ÜSTÜN (@yhyustun) October 9, 2024
Turkish Airlines pilots Ilchekhin Pehlivan, 59, had been working at the company since 2007. According to the airline, a routine health check conducted in March this year found “no medical problems that would interfere with the performance of duties.” (Related: 'An emergency has occurred': Plane lost door mid-flight forced to land)
The airline's New York office is making arrangements for the passengers to return to their countries of origin.
“Turkish Airlines is deeply saddened by the death of our captain and extends our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and all his loved ones. ”
The US Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the plane made an emergency landing at 4NBC New York. (Related: Flight instructor dies during flight; co-pilot thought he was taking a nap: AAIB)
In October, a California woman took over a private plane after her pilot husband suffered a heart attack. According to In audio obtained by Inside Edition. She was able to land safely with the help of air traffic control.
