A Turkish Airlines Airbus A350-900 has made an emergency landing at New York JFK Airport after the captain fell ill and tragically died during the flight.
Turkish Airlines flight TK204 was performing a scheduled service from Seattle, WA to Istanbul Turkey. The flight was in transit and approaching the Davis Strait in cruising flight when the captain became incapacitated after suddenly falling ill.
Turkish Airlines TK204 Seattle-Istanbul
A subsequent statement by the airline confirmed that the 59-year-old captain had fainted during the flight. Initial medical intervention by the crew proved unsuccessful, and the decision was made to divert and make an emergency landing at New York JFK Airport.
The aircraft subsequently landed in New York approximately 3.5 hours after the diversion was made. Sadly, the captain was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Flight data shows that Turkish airlines flight TK204 had been operated by an Airbus A350-900, registered TC-LGR.
The flight had made an on-time departure from Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) at 1852 local time. Flight TK204 had initially proceeded normally, climbing to flight level FL390 (39,000 feet) for the long haul service to Istanbul. The flight then diverted south to New York from cruising flight.
Statement by Turkish Airlines
The airline confirmed that the captain had worked at Turkish Airlines since 2007. A recent periodic medical examination had been conducted and no health problems had been detected.
The statement, issued by Turkish Airlines Press Adviser Yahya Ustun expressed the carrier’s condolences to the family of deceased Captain Ilcehin Pehlivan. The heartfelt message was made on behalf of the Turkish Airlines family.
“We wish our captain eternal peace and patience for his grieving family, as well as all his colleagues and loved ones.”
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