The captain of the Miami-Santiago flight felt unwell during the flight. The machine was redirected to Panama and two other pilots took control of the plane. The captain was pronounced dead after landing. A statement on the matter was issued by the LATAM airline, which said goodbye to the experienced pilot.
According to information obtained by the industry portal Aviation Herald, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flew from Miami, Florida to Santiago, the capital of Chile, on August 14, but during the flight it took a course to Panama Tocumen International Airport. The reason was a report on one of the pilots who was supposed to feel bad.
28 minutes after reporting the plane landed safely in Panama.
Flight LA505FlightRadar24
More information about the reasons for the change of route was given in the airline’s statement, which was quoted by the Spanish “El Pais” and the Peruvian “La Repubblica”, among others.
According to the statement, the plane “had to land at Tocumen International Airport in Panama due to an emergency involving one of the three crew members.” It was reported that the captain of the ship required help, who was supposed to lose consciousness after he felt bad and went to the toilet. The pilot died despite the help provided to him at the airport.
“We are deeply moved by what happened and offer our deepest condolences to the family of our employee,” the airline wrote. Its representatives reported that the pilot had a 25-year aviation career behind him. We are grateful for his valuable contribution. He has always been distinguished by dedication, professionalism and commitment.
The statement also said that two other pilots had taken control of the Dreamliner.
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner takes off from Santiago airportIllustrative photoVytautas Kielaitis / Shutterstock
Aviation Herald, tvn24.pl, El Pais, La Republica
Main photo source: Vytautas Kielaitis / Shutterstock