Turkish airlines captain passes away mid-flight, emergency landing in New York

A Turkish Airlines flight from Seattle to Istanbul was forced to make an emergency landing in New York after the tragic death of its captain mid-flight, the airline confirmed. Pilot Ilcehin Pehlivan, 59, lost consciousness shortly after the aircraft, Flight 204, took off on Tuesday night. Despite attempts at medical intervention, the captain could not be revived.

Turkish Airlines spokesperson Yahya Ustun explained that the co-pilot made the decision to divert the Airbus A350 to John F. Kennedy International Airport. The aircraft safely landed just before 6 a.m. on Wednesday, according to flight tracking data from FlightAware.

Pehlivan had been a pilot with Turkish Airlines since 2007, and a routine health check conducted earlier this year had shown no issues that would have affected his ability to work. "We deeply feel the loss of our captain and extend our sincerest condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones," Ustun expressed in a statement.

Passengers were rerouted to their destination from New York, and arrangements were swiftly made to ensure their safe onward travel.