A Turkish Airlines pilot collapsed and died mid-flight on Tuesday during a flight from Seattle to Istanbul.
Despite resuscitation attempts, the co-pilot and a relief pilot on board decided to make an emergency landing in New York.
The Airbus A350 was flying over northern Canada when the decision was made not to continue toward Europe.
A company spokesperson posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the captain, 59, had worked for Turkish Airlines since 2007. He underwent medical examinations in March under the supervision of aviation regulators, and no issues were found.
“We ask for God’s mercy on our captain and patience for his grieving family, colleagues and loved ones,” the spokesperson wrote.
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