- The deceased pilot had undergone a routine medical examination in March, which showed no signs of health issues
A Turkish Airlines pilot has died after collapsing mid-flight, prompting an emergency landing in New York, the airline confirmed on Wednesday.
The incident occurred during Flight TK204 from Seattle to Istanbul on Tuesday evening. The airline’s spokesperson, Yahya Ustun, said the 59-year-old pilot, who had been with Turkish Airlines since 2007, became unresponsive mid-air. Despite attempts to administer first aid, the pilot could not be revived.
The flight crew, which included another pilot and a co-pilot, decided to divert the Airbus A350 and make an emergency landing in New York. Unfortunately, the pilot passed away before the plane landed.
Ustun noted that the deceased pilot had undergone a routine medical examination in March, which showed no signs of health issues.