Turkish Airlines Pilot Dies Mid-Flight, Forces Emergency Landing in New York

Tragedy struck on Tuesday evening when a Turkish Airlines pilot collapsed mid-flight, prompting an emergency landing in New York. The incident occurred on flight TK204, which departed from Seattle bound for Istanbul. Despite the best efforts of the flight crew, the 59-year-old pilot tragically passed away before landing.

According to Turkish Airlines spokesman Yahya Ustun, the pilot fell ill during the flight. In a statement on social media, Ustun revealed that the crew made an unsuccessful attempt to administer first aid before deciding to make an emergency landing at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The pilot, who had been with Turkish Airlines since 2007, had undergone a medical examination in March, which showed no signs of any underlying health issues. The exact cause of the pilot’s sudden collapse remains unknown, but an investigation is underway.

The emergency landing was reportedly uneventful, and the remaining passengers were re-routed to Istanbul after a brief delay. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by pilots and crew members every time they take to the skies.

Turkish Airlines has offered its deepest condolences to the pilot’s family and friends, as well as to the affected passengers. The airline is working closely with authorities to determine the cause of the pilot’s collapse and is providing support to those affected by the incident.