A Turkish Airlines flight from Seattle to Istanbul had to make an emergency landing in New York on Wednesday morning after Captain Ilcehin Pehlivan, 59, became unconscious and passed away mid-flight.
The Airbus 350 was flying over northern Canada when Captain Pehlivan suddenly became unresponsive. The crew immediately provided medical assistance, but they were unable to save him. The co-pilot quickly took control and made the decision to divert the plane to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. The plane landed safely at 6 a.m.
Turkish Airlines spokesperson Yahya Ustun confirmed the news and expressed condolences, saying, “As part of the Turkish Airlines family, we leave our captain in God’s hand and offer our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues.” Captain Pehlivan had been with the airline since 2007 and had undergone a routine health check-up just two months prior.
When the captain became unresponsive, the co-pilot and flight crew decided to turn the plane southward. The flight continued for another four hours before landing in New York. Flight TK204 was originally scheduled to fly from Seattle to Istanbul. Arrangements were made for the passengers to continue their journey after the emergency landing.
The cause of Captain Pehlivan’s death has not yet been made public.
This sad incident has started conversations again about the need for having two pilots in the cockpit. The Allied Pilots Association, which represents American Airlines pilots, highlighted how essential it is to have a second pilot. Dennis Tajer, the association’s spokesperson, said, “Having only one pilot in the cockpit is a risk for every passenger.”
While there have been discussions in the aviation industry about reducing the number of pilots, many experts and regulators, including the FAA, believe that having two well-trained pilots is a safety measure that should not be compromised.
Although rare, similar incidents have occurred in the past. Last year, a LATAM Airlines pilot died after a medical emergency during a flight. In 2022, an Envoy Air pilot passed away shortly after taking off from Chicago.
In both cases, the remaining crew safely landed the planes.
These incidents remind us how important backup systems are in these jobs, especially for commercial aircraft pilots.
A Tragic Loss
Captain Pehlivan’s death is a significant loss for Turkish Airlines and the aviation community. This incident highlights the challenges that can arise, no matter how strict the safety measures in the industry are.
Turkish Airlines has expressed its deep sorrow and is supporting the captain’s family and colleagues during this difficult time.
