Pilot collapses mid-flight; co-pilot executes emergency landing with 271 onboard

PTC Web Desk: A flight from Miami to Chile with 271 passengers on board was forced to make an emergency landing in Panama on Sunday evening after its pilot collapsed in the aircraft's bathroom. The co-pilot successfully executed the emergency landing, as reported by Independent.

Captain Ivan Andaur started experiencing discomfort approximately three hours after the LATAM Airlines flight's departure. Despite the crew's immediate efforts to administer emergency medical treatment, unfortunately, they were unable to revive him.

Upon the emergency landing at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, medical professionals swiftly attended to the pilot but declared him dead. Captain Ivan Andaur was a seasoned pilot with an impressive 25 years of experience.

"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," the statement further added.