Turkish Airlines Pilot Dies Mid-Flight, Forcing Emergency Landing at JFK

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A tragic incident occurred on a Turkish Airlines flight from Seattle to Istanbul when the captain, lehin Pehlivan, lost consciousness mid-air. The plane was forced to make an emergency landing at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

Ilehin Pehlivan, 59, had been with Turkish Airlines since 2007 and had undergone a standard health examination in March. The examination did not reveal any medical conditions that could hinder his responsibilities as a pilot.

Incident Details

The incident occurred on Turkish Airlines Flight TK204. According to Turkish Airlines spokesperson Yahya stn, Pehlivan lost consciousness at some point after the flight departed from Seattle on Tuesday evening. Despite initial medical assistance provided by the crew, Pehlivan could not be revived.

The co-pilot took control of the Airbus A350 aircraft and executed a successful emergency landing at JFK Airport shortly before 6 a.m., as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Emergency responders were dispatched to the location, and passengers were safely deplaned. Arrangements are being made for their rebooking to continue their journey to Istanbul from New York.

Safety Protocols and Precautions

The FAA mandates that there must always be two crew members present in the cockpit. Additionally, for pilots aged over 40, the organization requires them to undergo two medical evaluations annually.

This incident highlights the importance of rigorous health checks and adherence to safety protocols in the aviation industry.

Airline's Response

Turkish Airlines expressed profound sorrow over the loss of their captain and offered heartfelt condolences to his family, coworkers, and all those who were close to him.

In a statement, the airline said, 'As Turkish Airlines, we profoundly mourn the loss of our captain and offer our heartfelt condolences to his grieving family, colleagues, and all those who loved him.'

The airline is currently coordinating arrangements for passengers to continue their journey to Istanbul from JFK.

Similar Incidents

This incident is not an isolated one. In 2015, an American Airlines pilot passed away after falling ill during a red-eye flight from Phoenix to Boston.

Such incidents underscore the risks and challenges faced by pilots and the importance of robust safety measures in place.