Pilot's Mid-Air Death Forces Plane Crew to Make Emergency Landing

A Turkish Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing in New York after the pilot suffered a medical emergency and died while flying the aircraft, according to a translated statement from the airline posted to X (formerly Twitter).

The Airbus A350-900 was en route to Istanbul from Seattle, but made an unexpected landing at JFK Airport after the flight’s captain, 59-year-old Ilcehin Pehlivan, “collapsed” sometime after takeoff.

The flight left Seattle at 7 p.m. local time. According to FlightAware, it appears the medical incident occurred as the plane passed over Nunavut, Canada. “After an unsuccessful attempt to give first aid, the flight crew of another pilot and a co-pilot decided to make an emergency landing,” Yahya Ustun, the airline’s spokesperson, explained.

The decision was made to divert to JFK, but Pehlivan sadly died before the plane was able to land. “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,” Ustun said.

BBC reported that Turkey's Air Traffic Controllers Association (TATCA) also offered their condolences to Pehlivan’s family, noting that he served the aviation community for many years.

Pehlivan’s cause of death has yet to be determined. He’d been employed with Turkish Airlines since 2007. The airline confirmed that he passed a routine health examination in March which detected no medical issues. Pilots under the age of 40 are required to undergo medical exams every 12 months, while those over the age of 40 must renew their medical credentials every six months.