Pilot dies mid-flight, after collapsing. Thick anxiety hung in the air as copilot and crew battled to save the passengers!
A Turkish Airlines pilot has died midflight, after collapsing, Medialord has learnt. This incident forced the airline to make an emergency landing in New York.
The flight had taken off from Seattle, a western US coastal city, on Tuesday evening. Airline spokesman Yahya Ustun announced the news on X, formerly Twitter.
He wrote, “The pilot of our Airbus 350, flight TK204 from Seattle to Istanbul, collapsed during the flight.” After an unsuccessful attempt to provide first aid, the flight crew, including another pilot and a co-pilot, decided to land the plane immediately. Tragically, the pilot died before they could land, according to AFP.
The 59-year-old pilot had worked for Turkish Airlines since 2007. He had recently passed a medical examination in March, showing no signs of health issues. This sudden loss raises questions about pilot health and safety standards, aviation source said.
Other incidents involving pilots
There have been other instances pilots died midflight before. One such case was Air Transat Flight 236 in 1999. During this flight from Toronto to Lisbon, the captain suffered a heart attack. The first officer took over control after the captain became incapacitated. Despite the emergency, the first officer managed to land the aircraft safely in the Azores.
All 306 passengers and crew members were unharmed. This event emphasized the significance of effective crew resource management and emergency protocols in aviation.
Another pilot dies mid-flight
Another case occurred with Air China Flight 129 in 2002. The captain suffered a fatal heart attack during a domestic flight. The first officer communicated the emergency to air traffic control and landed the aircraft safely. His quick response was crucial in averting disaster.
Similarly, American Airlines Flight 550 in 2015 featured a captain experiencing a medical emergency midflight. The first officer took control while the flight attendants initiated emergency procedures. They successfully landed at the nearest airport with no injuries reported.
JetBlue Airways Flight 191
JetBlue Airways Flight 191 faced a different situation in 2012. The captain had a medical emergency while flying from New York to Las Vegas. Although he was conscious initially, his condition worsened. The first officer took over and managed the situation effectively.
The flight was diverted to a nearby airport and landed safely. The captain received immediate medical attention but unfortunately passed away shortly after. Passengers were informed, and the airline provided necessary support for those affected. Such incidents highlight the critical importance of pilot health assessments in the aviation industry.
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