A plane was forced to make an emergency landing after its pilot died on board.
The Turkish Airlines flight from Seattle to Istanbul was diverted to New York when the pilot lost consciousness shortly after takeoff.
The crew administered emergency treatment to the 59-year-old but were unable to revive him before the aircraft landed.
It is believed the co-pilot successfully managed the landing.
Flight tracking data revealed that the Airbus A350 took off from Seattle on Tuesday night and initially flew north over Canada.
However, it abruptly changed course, diverting south and landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport just before 6 a.m. local time on Wednesday.
The airline identified the pilot as İlçehin Pehlivan.Spokesperson Yahya Üstün stated that Pehlivan had worked with the airline since 2007 and had no known health issues, having passed a medical examination earlier this year.
Mr. Üstün expressed condolences, saying, “We wish God’s mercy for our captain and strength for all his colleagues and loved ones, especially his grieving family.”
The airline confirmed that arrangements are being made for passengers to continue their journey from New York.
