A Latam Airlines pilot suffered a fatal medical emergency during a flight from Florida to Santiago, Chile, leading to an urgent diversion to Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport.
The 56-year-old captain, with years of experience flying for the airline, began feeling unwell roughly three hours after takeoff.
He subsequently entered the aircraft’s washroom and failed to return.
Despite immediate medical intervention from crew members and a half-hour diversion to Panama, emergency responders on the ground pronounced him dead upon landing.
“Latam Airlines Group reports that flight LA505 on August 14, flying from Miami to Santiago, had to divert due to a medical emergency concerning one of the three members of the command crew. Tragically, despite efforts from emergency services, the pilot could not be revived,” the airline said in a statement.
During the crisis, a relief captain and a first officer assumed control of the plane.
Latam Airlines has emphasized its adherence to all safety protocols and expressed condolences over the incident.
Additionally, they offered apologies to the passengers for the inconvenience, ensuring their journey resumed the following day, touching down in Santiago at approximately 4 am.