MIAMI- During a LATAM Airlines (LA) flight from Miami (MIA) to Santiago de Chile (SCL), one of the two Captains on board reportedly experienced incapacitation approximately three hours following takeoff on Monday.
Tragically, local media sources have indicated that the Captain passed away.
LATAM 787 Pilot Died
LATAM flight 505 initiated its journey from Miami International Airport (MIA) at approximately 10:00 pm on Monday. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the flight necessitated an unscheduled emergency diversion to Tocumen Airport in Panama.
Upon arrival, medical personnel were on hand to attend to the situation involving the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
According to certain accounts, the Captain temporarily left the flight deck to use the lavatory after feeling unwell, only to succumb to a collapse shortly thereafter.
Flight attendants promptly came to the aid of the pilot and initiated immediate emergency life support measures, including performing CPR.
Unfortunately, despite the aircrew’s diligent efforts, the pilot was declared deceased upon arrival in Panama, as reports from Aviation Herald indicated.
Three pilots operated the flight, including two Captains, ensuring that two pilots were consistently present in the cockpit. The aircraft is presently grounded in Panama, and passengers have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of support offered by LATAM.
According to statements from LATAM Airlines to local media, the pilot had been a dedicated member of the carrier’s team for over 25 years.
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Airline Response
In an official statement, the airline expressed, “We are profoundly affected by this event and extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family of our staff member.”
“We deeply appreciate his 25-year tenure and the significant input he made, consistently marked by his commitment, professionalism, and devotion.”
“Throughout the flight, all requisite safety protocols were adhered to in order to ensure the well-being of the pilot in question,” the statement further affirmed.
The flight is anticipated to resume its journey to Santiago at 4 pm on Tuesday.
Similar Incident
In a remarkable display of expertise and composure, an off-duty Air Canada (AC) pilot came to the rescue when one of the pilots onboard an Air Canada jet airliner fell incapacitated during a domestic flight.
Authorities confirmed that the quick-thinking off-duty pilot’s intervention led to a safe landing.
According to the Transportation Safety Board (TSB), the incident took place on June 7 during a 2,115 km (1,300 miles) journey from Toronto to St John’s in the Atlantic province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
While en route, the first officer became incapacitated, prompting a critical situation in the cockpit.
Without hesitation, a deadheading captain—a pilot traveling commercially to a new assignment—stepped up and assumed the responsibilities of the incapacitated crew member.
With skill and precision, the off-duty pilot skillfully guided the aircraft to a smooth landing, ensuring the safety of everyone onboard.
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