A Turkish Airlines pilot tragically passed away mid-flight while operating a flight from Seattle to Istanbul. Captain İlçehin Pehlivan, 59, collapsed during the journey, prompting the co-pilot to make an emergency landing in New York City. Despite efforts to revive him, he died before the plane could land.
Key Takeaways
- Captain İlçehin Pehlivan, 59, died mid-flight from Seattle to Istanbul.
- The Airbus A350 made an emergency landing at JFK Airport in New York.
- Medical intervention was unsuccessful, and he passed away before landing.
- Pehlivan had been with Turkish Airlines since 2007 and had recently passed a medical examination.
Incident Overview
The incident occurred on Flight TK204, which took off from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport shortly after 7 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday. The flight was approximately eight hours in when Captain Pehlivan became incapacitated over Canadian airspace. The co-pilot and a second pilot took control of the aircraft and diverted to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.
Emergency Landing Details
- Flight Number: TK204
- Departure: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
- Destination: Istanbul Airport
- Emergency Landing: JFK Airport, New York City
- Time of Incident: Approximately 8 hours into the flight
Response and Aftermath
Upon landing, emergency medical personnel were waiting for the aircraft. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, Captain Pehlivan was pronounced dead. Turkish Airlines expressed their condolences, stating that the captain had been a valued member of their team since 2007 and had recently undergone a health check that showed no issues.
Safety Protocols and Regulations
Pilots are required to undergo medical examinations every 12 months, with those over 40 needing to renew their medical certificates every six months. The aviation community has expressed concern over the implications of such incidents, emphasizing the importance of having two pilots in the cockpit at all times.
Historical Context
This incident is not isolated; there have been previous occurrences of pilots dying mid-flight. For instance, in 2015, an American Airlines pilot collapsed during a flight, necessitating an emergency landing. Such events raise questions about the safety protocols in place and the potential for technological advancements that could allow for single-pilot operations during certain phases of flight.
Conclusion
The aviation community mourns the loss of Captain İlçehin Pehlivan, a dedicated professional who served Turkish Airlines for many years. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of both crew and passengers in the skies.
