A Turkish Airlines pilot tragically passed away after collapsing in the cockpit during a flight from Seattle to Istanbul, prompting an emergency landing in New York on Tuesday night. The Airbus A350, operating flight TK204, had taken off from Seattle and was en route to Istanbul when the incident occurred.
According to Turkish Airlines spokesman Yahya Ustun, the 59-year-old pilot fainted mid-flight, and medical assistance was immediately administered by the flight crew, including the co-pilot and an additional pilot. Despite their best efforts to revive him, the situation became fatal.
“The pilot of our Airbus A350 collapsed during the flight,” Ustun shared on social media platform X. “After an unsuccessful attempt to administer first aid, the flight crew decided to make an emergency landing, but unfortunately, he passed away before reaching the ground.”
The aircraft diverted to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, where emergency personnel awaited the plane’s arrival. The airline confirmed that arrangements are being made for the passengers to continue their journey from there.
The pilot, who had been with Turkish Airlines since 2007, had recently passed a routine medical examination at the Aviation Medical Center, certified by Turkey’s General Directorate of Civil Aviation, with no reported health concerns.
In his message, Ustun extended heartfelt condolences to the pilot’s family, stating, “As the Turkish Airlines family, we wish God’s mercy on our captain and patience to all his colleagues and loved ones, especially his grieving family.”
The cause of the pilot’s collapse remains under investigation, and the airline continues to support his family during this difficult time.
