Turkish Airlines Diverts To New York After Pilot Falls Ill And Dies Mid-Flight

A Turkish Airlines pilot, Captain Ilcehin Pehlivan, 59, tragically passed away after falling ill mid-flight during a journey from Seattle, USA, to Istanbul, Turkey. The incident took place while the plane was flying over Nunavut, Canada. Following Captain Pehlivan’s sudden illness, his co-pilot and a second pilot took control of the Airbus A350, and an emergency landing was made at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, approximately eight hours after the flight’s departure.

Turkish Airlines spokesperson Yahya Ustun confirmed that despite first aid efforts on board, Captain Pehlivan passed away before the plane could land. Arrangements were made for passengers to continue their journey to Turkey after the emergency landing.

Captain Pehlivan, who had been with Turkish Airlines since 2007, had undergone a routine medical check-up in March, which revealed no health concerns. The cause of his death remains undisclosed. Pilots over the age of 40 are required to undergo medical evaluations every six months to ensure they remain fit for duty.

The Turkish Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (TATCA) paid tribute to Captain Pehlivan, recognizing his long-standing service to the aviation community and expressing condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

This incident bears similarities to a 2015 case when an American Airlines pilot passed away mid-flight from Phoenix to Boston, requiring the first officer to make an emergency landing.

The tragic event has reignited discussions around safety concerns in the aviation industry, especially as technological advancements explore the possibility of single-pilot operations during certain phases of flight. Pilot associations, such as the European Cockpit Association, have expressed concerns that reducing cockpit staff may compromise flight safety.