By John Ikani
A Turkish Airlines pilot tragically passed away after collapsing during a flight, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in New York, the airline confirmed on Wednesday.
Captain Ilcehin Pehlivan, who was commanding the flight, collapsed mid-air, leaving the second pilot and co-pilot to take over control.
The incident occurred not long after the plane departed from Seattle on Tuesday evening. Despite swift attempts to perform first aid, the 59-year-old pilot died before the aircraft could safely 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 shared on X.
Pehlivan, who had been employed by Turkish Airlines since 2007, had undergone a routine medical check-up in March, with no reported health concerns, according to Ustun.
