Airline pilot dies after becoming ill

Airline pilot dies after becoming ill on flight from USA to Chile

An airline pilot has died after becoming ill while on a flight.

Flight LA505 from Miami in the USA to Santiago in Chile was diverted to Tocumen Airport in Panama on Monday after the “medical emergency” LATAM Airlines confirmed.

However, the pilot, who spent 25 years working for the airline, died after the plane landed, the airline said.

4 - LATAM Airlines — LATAM Airlines Chile is an airline based in Santiago, Chile, and its Latin America’s largest airline company. The main hub is Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago. Out of their 451,651 flights in 2022, 86.31% touched down within fifteen minutes of their scheduled time. (LATAM Airlines)

There were two other crew in command of the plane. during what the airline said was a “painful and unforeseen situation”.

Reports name the pilot as Ivan Andaur, 56.

“All the necessary safety protocols were carried out during the flight in order to safeguard the life of the affected pilot,” LATAM said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, after landing and receiving assistance on the ground the pilot passed away.

“At LATAM Airlines we are deeply saddened by what has happened and we extend our sincerest condolences to the family of our employee.”

Passengers were later flown to their destination.