Turkish Airlines Pilot Passes Away Mid-Flight from the US to Turkey

A Turkish Airlines flight from Seattle to Istanbul faced an unexpected tragedy when Captain Ilcehin Pehlivan, aged 59, became unwell during the journey. The incident occurred mid-air, prompting the second pilot and co-pilot to assume control of the aircraft.

Despite immediate first aid efforts, Captain Pehlivan unfortunately passed away before the plane could make an emergency landing. The crew decided to divert the Airbus A350 to New York, where it landed safely. Arrangements were then made to continue the passengers’ journey to Turkey.

Flight TK204 departed Seattle just after 2AM Pacific Time on Wednesday. The situation arose as the plane was over Canada’s Nunavut territory, leading the crew to redirect to John F Kennedy Airport, arriving approximately eight hours after takeoff.

Captain Pehlivan had been a pilot with Turkish Airlines since 2007 and had recently undergone a routine health check in March, which showed no issues affecting his ability to fly. The Turkish air traffic controllers’ association, TATCA, expressed condolences to his family and colleagues, acknowledging his long service to the aviation community.

The exact cause of Captain Pehlivan’s death remains undisclosed. Pilots are required to have medical examinations annually, with those over 40 needing to renew their certificates every six months.

This incident recalls a similar event in 2015, when an American Airlines pilot died during a flight from Phoenix to Boston, necessitating an emergency landing by the first officer.

Currently, regulations mandate that two pilots be present in the cockpit of large commercial planes at all times. However, discussions are ongoing about technological advancements that might allow single-pilot operations during certain flight phases, though safety concerns remain a priority for many in the aviation sector.

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