Passenger plane captain suddenly dies mid-flight forcing plane to make emergency landing while flying from US to Turkey

A TURKISH Airlines pilot has died mid-flight forcing the jet he captained to make an emergency landing in New York.

The Airbus 350 had departed Seattle on Tuesday evening and was on its way to Istanbul when the tragedy happened.

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The pilot was only 59 years old
Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 aircraft

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Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 aircraftCredit: Getty
FlightRadar24 showed the jet's journey

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FlightRadar24 showed the jet’s journey

The 59-year-old had worked for the airline since 2007 and had passed a medical examination in March, the flag carrier said.

A spokesperson told CBS: “After an unsuccessful attempt to give first aid, the flight crew of another pilot and a co-pilot decided to make an emergency landing, but he died before landing.

“We wish God’s mercy upon our captain and patience to his grieving family, all his colleagues and loved ones.”

Plane tracking website FlightRadar24 shows the aircraft flying north over Canada, before turning around over Baffin Island.

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