A Turkish Airlines pilot died mid-flight, prompting an emergency landing at New York's John F Kennedy airport. Captain Ilcehin Pehlivan, 59, lost consciousness while commanding flight 8JK from Seattle to Istanbul.
The Airbus A350-900 landed around 6am after initial medical intervention proved ineffective. A co-pilot took over and successfully landed the aircraft, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Turkish Airlines confirmed Pehlivan's death, stating he had been employed since 2007 and passed a routine health check in March with no issues affecting his duties. The airline expressed deep condolences to his family and colleagues.
Passengers are being arranged for onward travel to Istanbul from JFK. US regulations require two crew members in the cockpit at all times, and pilots over 40 must undergo two physical examinations annually.
