A plane makes an emergency landing in New York City after the pilot dies mid-flight

Posted by Jan McDonald October 10, 2024

A Turkish Airlines plane flying from Seattle to Istanbul made an emergency stop in New York on Wednesday after its pilot died on board, according to an airline representative.

Turkish Airlines spokeswoman Yahya Üstün confirmed that pilot İlçehin Pehlivan, 59, experienced a loss of consciousness after taking off from Seattle on Tuesday night.

Crew members opted to make an emergency landing and attempted to revive the pilot, according to Üstün, but he died before the jet landed.

FlightAware data shows that the Airbus A350 landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport shortly before 6 a.m.

The airline spokeswoman confirmed that plans were in place for passengers to travel from New York to their destination.

According to Üstün, Pehlivan has worked for Turkish Airlines since 2007. A routine health check in March revealed no health issues that would have kept him from working, he claimed.

“As Turkish Airlines, we deeply feel the loss of our captain and extend our sincerest condolences to his bereaved family, colleagues, and all his loved ones,” Üstün told the press.

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Jan McDonald – Managing Partner Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jan McDonald relocated to the Demopolis area in 1991. Over the years, she has built an extensive career as a journalist and freelance writer, contributing her talents to various news outlets across Louisiana, Wisconsin, and Alabama. With her wealth of experience in journalism, Jan has honed her skills in reporting, writing, and storytelling, making her a versatile and respected voice in the field. As Managing Partner of The Watchman, Jan plays a crucial role in overseeing and producing editorial content for the publication. Her responsibilities include curating stories, ensuring high-quality journalism, and managing the day-to-day operations of the editorial team. Jan's dedication to maintaining the integrity of The Watchman's reporting, combined with her deep connection to the community, allows her to guide the publication with both passion and expertise.