An airline pilot, Captain Ivan Andaur, died after slumping in the bathroom of a Miami to Chile flight with 271 passengers onboard.
It was gathered that Captain Andaur (56 years) began feeling unwell three hours into the LATAM Airlines flight from Florida to Santiago. After collapsing in the bathroom, he received emergency treatment from the crew.
The flight took 30 minutes to divert to Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport, and first responders declared Andaur, a 25-year veteran pilot, dead when the plane landed.
The LA505 flight, which was operating a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, left Miami at 10.11 pm on Monday, 14 August and had a relief captain and first officer onboard when the incident occurred.
Simple Flying said in a statement:
“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.
“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 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.”