A tragic incident unfolded on a flight from Miami to Chile, as a pilot passed away after collapsing in the restroom.
The flight, carrying 271 passengers, was operated by LATAM Airlines. Captain Ivan Andaur, a seasoned pilot with 25 years of experience, fell ill around three hours into the journey. He received immediate medical attention from the crew, but the situation grew dire.
The flight was rerouted to Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, where first responders confirmed his passing upon landing. The flight, identified as LA505 and utilizing a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, had departed Miami on August 14th at 10:11 PM. Notably, a relief captain and a first officer were also present on the flight at the time of the unfortunate incident.
“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.
“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.”
Following the incident, the flight left Panama City on Tuesday and continued on to Chile.
According to the New York Post, Captain Andaur was 56 years old.
