Tragedy in the Skies: Turkish Airlines Pilot Passes Mid-Flight

A Turkish Airlines flight from Seattle to Istanbul made an emergency landing in New York after the pilot, Ilcehin Pehlivan, 59, passed away mid-flight. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, and passengers were rerouted to their destination. Pehlivan had worked for the airline since 2007.

In a tragic incident in the aviation industry, a Turkish Airlines jet en route from Seattle to Istanbul was forced to make an emergency landing in New York after the pilot passed away in flight, a spokesperson confirmed.

Ilcehin Pehlivan, aged 59, reportedly lost consciousness after the aircraft, flight TK204, departed Seattle. Despite crew efforts to revive Pehlivan, he was declared dead before the plane reached John F. Kennedy International Airport, landing just before 6 a.m.

Arrangements were promptly made for passengers to continue their journey from New York. Turkish Airlines expressed deep sorrow over the loss, extending condolences to Pehlivan's family and colleagues. He had been with the airline since 2007 and had passed a health check earlier this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)