Turkish Airlines plane makes emergency landing in New York as pilot dies mid-flight

A Turkish Airlines plane heading to Istanbul made an emergency landing in New York after the captain died on board.

The plane took off from Seattle on Wednesday but was forced to divert after İlçehin Pehlivan, the 59-year-old pilot, fainted.

Yahya Üstün, Turkish Airlines spokesperson, said the crew gave the pilot an emergency treatment on board and tried to revive him but failed.

“When the first medical intervention to our captain on the plane was ineffective, the cockpit crew consisting of 1 captain and 1 co-pilot decided to make an emergency landing, but our captain lost his life before landing,” Üstün said.

The spokesperson noted that the pilot had worked at the airline since 2007 and had no known health problems.

Üstün added that the captain also passed a medical earlier this year, noting that no health problem was detected that would have prevented him from working.

“As Turkish Airlines, we deeply feel the loss of our captain and extend our sincerest condolences to his bereaved family, colleagues, and all his loved ones,” Üstün said.

The airline official said arrangements have been made for the passengers to connect their flight to Istanbul via New York.