(DailyEmailNews.com) – A Turkish Airlines flight from Seattle to Istanbul took a tragic turn when the captain died mid-flight, forcing an emergency landing at JFK Airport.
59-year-old Captain Ilcehin Pehlivan collapsed during the flight. Despite the crew’s efforts to provide first aid, Pehlivan died before the plane could land.
Specifically, Turkish Airlines spokesman Yahya Ustun said, “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.”
Turkish Airlines expressed its condolences: “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.”
“We didn’t know exactly what was happening, but we knew something was wrong when the captain stopped speaking to us,” one passenger commented. “The crew handled everything professionally, and we landed safely, but it was clear that something serious had occurred.”
Turkish Airlines flight makes an emergency landing at New York’s JFK after the captain dies onboard, airline officials have said.
The 59-year-old pilot was identified as Ilcehin Pehlivan.
The Airbus A350-900 was heading from Seattle to Istanbul when it made the diversion.… pic.twitter.com/2TNsgm30Wo
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) October 9, 2024
This incident is similar to a 2015 situation when an American Airlines pilot died during a flight from Phoenix to Boston.
Captain Pehlivan had reportedly passed a medical examination in March with no health issues detected.
The aviation industry is now under pressure to review its safety protocols and consider technological advancements in case a pilot becomes incapacitated.
However, critics wonder how many more incidents it will take before meaningful changes are implemented and whether these measures come a little too late.
As the investigation into Captain Pehlivan’s death continues, some passengers are left thinking about their safety in the skies.
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