Turkish Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Pilot’s Death
A Turkish Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing after the pilot tragically died mid-flight.
The aircraft landed safely, and the crew immediately handled the situation with professionalism to ensure passenger safety.
The cause of the pilot’s death has not yet been disclosed, and investigations are ongoing. Emergency personnel were on standby to assist as soon as the plane touched down.
This incident has raised concerns about in-flight medical emergencies and protocols for handling such critical situations.
“The pilot of our Airbus 350… flight TK204 from Seattle to Istanbul collapsed during the flight,” Üstün wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“After an unsuccessful attempt to give first aid, the flight crew of another pilot and a co-pilot decided to make an emergency landing, but he died before landing.
The flight-tracking website FlightAware shows that Turkish Airlines flight TK204 departed from Seattle on Tuesday at 7:02 p.m. and landed at JFK on Wednesday at 5:57 a.m.
Turkish Airlines identified the pilot as İlçehin Pehlivan, 59, who had worked for the airline since 2007.
According to the airline’s spokesman, Pehlivan underwent a periodic health exam on August 3 and was given a clean bill of health by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation.
The passengers on diverted flight TK204 will be flown to Istanbul from JFK International, according to the airline.
“As the Turkish Airlines family, we wish God’s mercy upon our captain and patience to his grieving family, all his colleagues and loved ones,” Üstün said.