Boeing 787 Image: Boeing
Commercial
Aviation
/ Americas
rare occurrence
LATAM pilot falls ill and is declared dead after the flight
By: Rafael Ramos
On: 8/16/2023
Boeing 787
CC BY-SA 4.0, via wikimedia commons
A pilot of the Chilean airline, LATAM, died in the middle of a flight with a Boeing 787-9 that was flying to the capital of Chile, Santiago. The aircraft diverted and made an emergency landing at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City.
The unfortunate accident occurred on August 14, about three hours after the start of the flight, when the pilot fell ill and needed emergency help.
The plane, which had 271 passengers on board, had 3 pilots. Thus, two pilots landed the aircraft safely.
After leveling off, at 37,000 feet, the captain felt sick and left the cockpit to go to the bathroom. At this time, the commander fainted. Fortunately, there were two other pilots on board the flight, so the aircraft was able to land safely after the diversion.
When the plane landed, emergency services provided help, but the pilot was unfortunately pronounced dead by medical teams shortly after landing.
"The Latam Airlines Group informs that flight LA505 yesterday, which was on the Miami-Santiago route, had to land at Tocumen International Airport, in Panama, due to a medical emergency for one of the three members of the command crew," said a LATAM spokesperson.
"We are deeply moved by what happened and extend our sincere condolences to our employee's family. We are deeply grateful for his 25-year career and his valuable contribution, which has always stood out for his dedication, professionalism and dedication. During the flight, all necessary safety protocols were carried out to protect the life of the affected pilot", completed LATAM.
After the incident, the aircraft headed to Santiago on August 15 at around 5:30 am (local time).
While incidents that incapacitate the crew are rare, they do happen, and this isn't the first this year.
Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
|
|