Turkish Airlines pilot dies mid-flight prompting emergency landing in New York

Aeroplane image used for representative purpose only (Picture credit: Copilot AI)

A Turkish Airlines pilot died after collapsing during a flight, leading to an emergency landing in New York, the airline announced on Wednesday.
The aircraft, an Airbus A350, had departed from Seattle, a seaport city in Washington, US, on Tuesday evening and was headed for Istanbul, Turkey, according to airline spokesman Yahya Ustun.
“The pilot of our Airbus A350 flight TK204 from Seattle to Istanbul collapsed during the flight,” Ustun shared on X.
The pilot fainted during the flight, and medical intervention was provided. However, the efforts were unsuccessful, forcing the cockpit team, consisting of one captain and one co-pilot, to make an emergency landing in New York. Unfortunately, the pilot died before reaching the ground.
“After an unsuccessful attempt to administer first aid, the flight crew, which included another pilot and a co-pilot, decided to make an emergency landing, but he died before landing,” Ustun said.
“Our flight decided to land in New York, and our passengers’ return home is planned via the New York station,” the spokesperson added.
The 59-year-old pilot had worked for Turkish Airlines since 2007 and had passed a routine medical examination at the Aviation Medical Center, authorised by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, in March, with no health issues reported, according to Ustun.
The spokesperson also expressed condolences to the pilot’s family, saying, “As the Turkish Airlines family, we wish God’s mercy on our captain and patience to all his colleagues and loved ones, especially his grieving family.”