Turkish Airlines Pilot Dies During Flight

A Turkish Airlines pilot has tragically passed away mid-flight, after collapsing during the journey from Seattle to Istanbul.

The airline confirmed that the tragic incident prompted an emergency landing in New York.

Pilot İlçehin Pehlivan, 59, lost consciousness shortly after Turkish Airlines Flight 204 departed from Seattle on Tuesday night, according to a statement by airline spokesperson Yahya Üstün.

Despite medical efforts to revive him, the captain could not be saved. The co-pilot opted for an emergency landing, but unfortunately, the captain passed away before the plane could touch down, Üstün added.

According to data from FlightAware, the Airbus A350 made an emergency landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport shortly before 6 a.m. Arrangements were then made for passengers to continue to their final destination from New York, the airline’s spokesperson confirmed.

Pilot İlçehin Pehlivan had been with Turkish Airlines since 2007, and a routine health check in March revealed no issues that would have prevented him from flying, spokesperson Yahya Üstün stated.

“As Turkish Airlines, we deeply mourn the loss of our captain and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones,” Üstün added.

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