A Turkish Airlines flight en route from Seattle to Istanbul made an emergency landing in New York on Wednesday following the sudden death of the pilot, an airline spokesperson reported.
Pilot İlçehin Pehlivan, 59, became unconscious after Flight TK204 departed from Seattle on Tuesday night, according to Turkish Airlines spokesperson Yahya Üstün. Despite efforts by the crew to revive him, Pehlivan passed away before the plane could land.
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Flight tracking data from FlightAware indicates that the Airbus A350 touched down at John F. Kennedy International Airport shortly before 6 a.m.
Arrangements were promptly made to ensure passengers could continue their journey from New York to Istanbul, the spokesperson added.
Pehlivan had been with Turkish Airlines since 2007. His most recent medical examination in March revealed no health issues that would have prevented him from performing his duties, Üstün said.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our captain and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones,” Üstün expressed on behalf of Turkish Airlines.
