A devastating turn of events unfolded during a Turkish Airlines flight from Seattle to Istanbul, causing the aircraft to execute an emergency landing. The pilot, 59-year-old Ilcehin Pehlivan, tragically collapsed while the plane was in flight. Despite the immediate life-saving attempts by the flight crew, Pehlivan succumbed during the transit.
An announcement from airline representative Yahya Üstün detailed how the Airbus A350-900 was diverted to land at New York’s JFK Airport early Wednesday. Following the incident, the co-pilot took over the duties to guide the aircraft safely to ground.
Pehlivan had been a part of Turkish Airlines since 2007 and had successfully completed his latest medical review in March, which did not indicate any health problems. This incident has stirred a strong reaction within the aviation sector and is currently under thorough investigation.
Data from FlightAware illustrated the aircraft’s urgent route change towards New York, landing without further incidents. This incident underscores the continuous hazards and pressures that pilots and flight teams face while performing their duties.
We mourn the loss of Ilcehin Pehlivan.
