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A passenger plane pilot died after collapsing mid-flight, forcing the Turkish Airlines jet to make an emergency landing in New York, the airline said on Wednesday.
The Airbus 350 had taken off from the western US coastal city of Seattle bound for Istanbul on Tuesday evening, airline spokesman Yahya Ustun wrote on X.
He said the pilot of flight TK204, who he named as Ilcehin Pehlivan, 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,’ Ustun said.
The 59-year-old pilot, who had worked for Turkish Airlines since 2007, had passed a medical examination in March, according to Ustun, who said there had been no indication of any health problems.
Ilcehin Pehlivan, 59, who had worked for Turkish Airlines since 2007, is said to have passed a medical examination in March
The plane had taken off from the western US coastal city of Seattle on Tuesday evening and was heading to Istanbul when it had to make an emergency landing
Flight trackers show when the plane diverted off its route and headed towards JFK airport
The spokesperson added in his statement: ‘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.’
Flight trackers show the jet flying north over Canada on Tuesday evening before it was abruptly diverted.
It is seen turning around over Baffin Island before heading south to JFK International airport.
The plane is said to have landed safely in New York, with passengers continuing their journey to Turkey via JFK.