Turkish Airlines Pilot Dies Mid-Flight, Forcing Emergency Landing at JFK

A Turkish Airlines flight from Seattle to Istanbul was forced to make an emergency landing at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) following the tragic death of one of its pilots. The incident occurred on October 9, when the captain of the Airbus A350-900, registered as TC-LGR, fainted mid-flight. Despite efforts to provide first aid, the pilot passed away while the aircraft was diverting to JFK.

The flight, TK204, had departed from Seattle Tacoma International Airport on October 7. As the aircraft was flying over Nunavut, Canada, the remaining two pilots onboard decided to initiate the emergency diversion to New York. The plane landed safely at JFK at 5:56 a.m. local time.

The deceased pilot, who had been with Turkish Airlines since 2007, was 59 years old. A medical examination conducted earlier in the year had revealed no health issues. Turkish Airlines expressed their condolences to the pilot’s family and colleagues.

Passengers onboard the flight will continue their journey to Istanbul from New York, with the Airbus A350-900 still grounded at JFK.