Turkish Airlines Pilot Dies Amid Flight, Details Emerge
by by Bada Yusuf · Legit.ng News · Join- Turkish Airlines has experienced a tragedy as its pilots died amid a flight, forcing an emergency landing in New York
- Yahya Ustun, the spokesperson of the airline, said the flight TK204 from Seattle to Istanbul was diverted after the 59-year-old pilot collapsed
- According to the spokesperson, attempts by the crew members to administer first-aid treatment to the pilot were unsuccessful
Tragedy strikes as Turkish Airlines confirmed that one of its pilots died mid-flight, prompting an emergency landing in New York.
The Airbus 350, operating as flight TK204 from Seattle to Istanbul, was forced to divert after the 59-year-old pilot collapsed.
According to Yahya Ustun, the airline's spokesman, crew members attempted to administer first aid but were unsuccessful. Despite the efforts, the pilot passed away before the plane landed.
When did deceased pilot join Turkish Airlines?
The deceased pilot had been with Turkish Airlines since 2007 and had undergone a medical examination in March, which showed no signs of health issues.
According to BBC, the plane took off from Seatle on Tuesday, October 8, heading to Istanbul. However, during the flight, the pilot collapsed and died after several attempts to resuscitate him proved abortive.
“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."
Details of Turkish Airlines pilot's death
Turkish Airlines flight TK204, which departed from Seattle on Tuesday at 7.02pm, made an unexpected landing at JFK International Airport on Wednesday at 5.57am due to a medical emergency.
According to FlightAware, a flight tracking website, the diversion was prompted by the sudden collapse of one of the pilots.
The pilot, identified as 59-year-old İlçehin Pehlivan, had been with Turkish Airlines since 2007. As confirmed by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, Pehlivan had undergone a routine health examination on August 3, which showed no signs of health issues.
Turkish Airlines expressed condolences over Pehlivan's passing.
"We wish God's mercy upon our captain and patience to his grieving family, all his colleagues and loved ones." The airline has arranged for passengers on the diverted flight to continue their journey to Istanbul from JFK International.
Xejet Airlines skids runway
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that an airstrike belonging to Xejet Airlines, a premium service provider airline, skidded from the runway at the Lagos airport.
The airline, which was in business class, was carrying 52 passengers and crew members when it skidded the runway on Saturday.
Sources disclosed that the incident happened because of the rain falling when the aircraft landed.
Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.