A Turkish Airlines flight from Seattle to Istanbul made an emergency landing at JFK International Airport after its captain collapsed in the cockpit. The incident took place on Tuesday evening when Captain İlçehin Pehlivan, 59, suffered a medical emergency mid-flight. Despite attempts to administer first aid, the pilot was pronounced dead before the aircraft could make an unscheduled stop in New York City.
Pehlivan, who had been with Turkish Airlines since 2007, passed a medical examination in March without any reported issues. Following the captain’s collapse, the co-pilot and flight crew quickly decided to divert the Airbus 350 to the nearest suitable airport to facilitate an emergency landing.
The airline confirmed the plane’s safe arrival at JFK, where passengers were re-routed to Turkey. Turkish Airlines notified the public of the events through a post on social media platform X, explaining the unexpected turn of events and expressing deep condolences. “We wish God’s mercy upon our captain and patience to his grieving family, all his colleagues, and loved ones,” the statement read.
🚨TURKISH AIRLINES PLANE MAKES EMERGENCY LANDING AT JFK AFTER PILOT DIES MID-FLIGHT
A Turkish Airlines flight from Seattle to Istanbul made an emergency landing at JFK early Wednesday after the 59-year-old captain collapsed and died onboard.
Despite efforts to administer first… pic.twitter.com/WZkEgxx7Fw
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) October 9, 2024