Overview of the Incident
On the evening of October 8, 2024, a grave and unexpected event occurred involving a Turkish Airlines flight from Seattle to Istanbul. The captain of the flight, Ilcehin Pehlivan, tragically passed away mid-flight due to sudden illness. The aircraft, an Airbus A350-900 with the registration TC-LGR, was forced to divert to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. This incident marked a somber day for aviation, stirring both concern and sorrow within the international flying community.
Details of the Flight and Incident
Flight TK204 had departed from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at 19:01 local time, embarking on an eleven-hour journey to Istanbul-Ataturk Airport. The flight path initially took the aircraft northward over Canada, progressing eastward towards Greenland. The captain became incapacitated south of Baffin Island, approximately four hours into the journey, at a cruising altitude of 39,000 feet.
The remaining crew, including a relief pilot and a first officer, promptly declared an emergency. They made the critical decision to divert the flight, steering southwards to make an emergency landing at JFK Airport. The aircraft touched down safely at approximately 02:56, nearly eight hours after its departure from Seattle. Despite the immediate intervention by medical crews upon landing, Captain Pehlivan was pronounced deceased, having passed away before the aircraft’s arrival.
Background of Captain Ilcehin Pehlivan
Captain Pehlivan had been a part of Turkish Airlines since 2007 and was revered for his professionalism and dedication. At 59 years old, he had successfully passed all required health examinations, the most recent of which was conducted on March 8, 2024, at the Aviation Medical Center authorized by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation in Turkey. No health issues had been detected that would impede his capability to operate flights, making his sudden illness a shocking and unforeseen event.
Impact and Response
The aircraft remained on the ground at JFK following the incident, with arrangements being made for the passengers’ return to their homes via New York. The incident has prompted reviews of emergency protocols and health standards within the aviation industry, particularly focusing on the well-being of flight crew members during long-haul flights. Turkish Airlines expressed deep condolences to the captain’s family, colleagues, and all who knew him, emphasizing the loss felt across the community.
Further Actions
This tragic event underlines the importance of stringent health checks and the potential need for more comprehensive in-flight medical resources. The aviation community, while mourning the loss of a respected captain, must continue to enhance safety and emergency response strategies to prevent such occurrences in the future.