The airline confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday morning, identifying the deceased pilot as 59-year-old Ilcehin Pehlivan.
Airline spokesperson Yahya Ustun stated that Pehlivan fainted, prompting the crew of the TK204 flight to decide on an emergency landing while attempting to revive him.
Unfortunately, Pehlivan died before the plane could land in New York City. The cause of death is yet to be revealed.
Pehlivan had worked with Turkish Airlines since 2007. The spokesperson explained that the pilot passed a medical examination in March indicating he had no health issues.
"A periodic health examination was carried out on March 8, 2024, at the Aviation Medical Center authorized by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, and no health problem was detected that would prevent him from working," the spokesperson wrote in a post on X.
He added, '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."
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/turkish-airlines-pilot-dies-mid-flight
