Turkish Airlines pilot dies during flight

A Turkish Airlines flight from Seattle to Istanbul had to make an emergency landing in New York after one of the pilots collapsed mid-flight, the airline confirmed on Wednesday.

The incident occurred shortly after takeoff on Tuesday evening. Despite immediate first aid efforts, the 59-year-old pilot died before the plane could land, as reported by Turkish Airlines spokesperson Yahya Ustun on social media.

The Airbus A350, operating as flight TK204, was diverted to New York by the co-pilot and remaining crew. The pilot had been with the airline since 2007 and had recently passed a routine medical exam in March with no health issues noted.