Emergency Landing at JFK
In an unexpected turn of events, a Turkish Airlines flight made an emergency landing at New York’s JFK Airport early Wednesday morning after the sudden death of its captain. The Airbus A350-900, en route from Seattle to Istanbul, diverted its course toward New York following the incident.
Sudden collapse of an experienced pilot
The 59-year-old pilot, Ilcehin Pehlivan, reportedly “collapsed” during the flight, as confirmed by Turkish Airlines spokesman Yahya Ustun. Despite the crew’s attempts to administer first aid, they were unable to revive him. “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,” Ustun stated.
Safe landing
The flight crew’s quick decision-making led to a safe landing at JFK Airport just before 6 a.m. The passengers and crew were unharmed, thanks to the efforts of the co-pilot and the remaining flight crew.
Pehlivan, a seasoned pilot with Turkish Airlines since 2007, had recently passed a medical examination in March, which showed no health issues. His sudden death has left the Turkish Airlines community in mourning. “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,” expressed Ustun.
Mourning a loss
The aviation community and Turkish Airlines are grieving the loss of a respected colleague. Investigations may follow to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.