Pilot Dies Midair On Miami-Chile Flight Forcing Emergency Landing

Image courtesy: Ivan Andaur/Facebook

New Delhi: A commercial flight from Miami to Chile with 271 passengers on board had to make an emergency landing in Panama on Sunday night when the pilot died after collapsing in the bathroom of the plane. The flight was then carried out by the co-pilot, the Independent said in a report. Captain Ivan Andaur, the pilot who died, began feeling unwell three hours after the LATAM Airlines flight took off. He was given emergency treatment by the crew, but they were not able to revive him, the outlet further said.

When the plane landed at Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport, medical experts rushed to check on the pilot but declared him dead. Andaur had an experience of 25 years behind him.

“LATAM Airlines Group reports that flight LA505 yesterday, which was on the Miami-Santiago route, had to land at the Tocumen International Airport in Panama due to a medical emergency for one of the three members of the command crew. When the plane landed, emergency services provided life-saving help, but the pilot sadly passed away,” the airline said in a statement on Monday.

“We are deeply moved by what has happened, and we extend our sincere condolences to the family of our employee. We are deeply grateful for his 25-year career and his valuable contribution, which was always distinguished by his dedication, professionalism, and dedication. During the flight, all the necessary safety protocols were carried out to safeguard the life of the affected pilot,” it further said.