Turkish Airlines plane makes emergency landing in New York as pilot dies mid-flight

Oct. 10, 2024 - TheCable

A Turkish Airlines plane heading to Istanbul made an emergency landing in New York after the captain died on board. The plane took off from Seattle on Wednesday but was forced to divert after İlçehin Pehlivan, the 59-year-old pilot, fainted.

Yahya Üstün, Turkish Airlines spokesperson, said the crew gave the pilot an emergency treatment on board and tried to revive him but failed. “When the first medical intervention to our captain on the plane was ineffective, the cockpit crew consisting of 1 captain and 1 co-pilot decided to make an emergency landing, but our captain lost his life before landing,” Üstün said.

“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,” Üstün said...