One sad incident happen on Wednesday when a Turkish Airlines pilot die mid-air, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing in New York. The pilot, 59-year-old İlçehin Pehlivan, lose consciousness while flying from Seattle to Istanbul on a Turkish Airlines Airbus A350.
The plane was over Canada‘s far north when the captain’s medical emergency occurred. After initial medical intervention on board prove ineffective, the cockpit crew decide to divert the plane to New York’s JFK Airport for an emergency landing. Unfortunately, Captain Pehlivan pass away before they could land.
Pehlivan, who had been working with Turkish Airlines since 2007, had a routine health check in March that show no health issues that would prevent him from performing his duties. Turkish Airlines express deep sorrow over the loss and extend their condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones.
The incident highlight the importance of having multiple pilots on board for safety. It comes at a time when the aviation industry is debating the prospect of single-pilot operations, which has been criticized by regulators and pilot unions. The European Cockpit Union has been vocal against single-pilot operations, emphasizing the safety risks involved.
