A Turkish Airlines flight made a safe yet emergency landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday morning after the captain tragically lost consciousness and subsequently passed away while in the cockpit. The incident occurred aboard Flight 8JK, which was en route from Seattle to Istanbul, landing in Queens around 6 a.m. after initial medical efforts on board were attempted.
The airline reported that the pilot had recently completed a routine health examination in March, with no underlying medical issues identified that could compromise his ability to perform his duties. The pilot, identified as 59-year-old Ilcehin Pehlivan, had been with Turkish Airlines since 2007.
As of right now, the exact circumstances surrounding the medical emergency that led to his untimely death remain unclear. In light of these events, Turkish Airlines is coordinating arrangements for the affected passengers to ensure their safe return to Istanbul from JFK Airport.
How do airlines typically handle the loss of crew members during a flight?
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Airlines have protocols in place to address the loss of crew members during a flight, whether due to illness, injury, or other emergencies. When such an incident occurs while in air, the remaining crew members will assess the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of both the crew and passengers. Front there, the trained cabin crew will take over duties and manage the situation while maintaining communication with the cockpit crew to notify them of any changes in personnel and ensure that all necessary safety procedures are being followed.
Now, if the loss of a crew member is significant enough to impact flight operations, such as pilots or vital cabin crew, the airline may consider diverting the flight to the nearest suitable airport for a crew replacement. Additionally, the airline’s operation center will coordinate resources to facilitate a smooth transition or replacement, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements regarding crew rest and duty hours.
In a heartfelt statement, the airline said: “As Turkish Airlines, we deeply feel the loss of our captain and extend our sincerest condolences to his bereaved family, colleagues, and all his loved ones.”