A LATAM Airlines pilot died while going to Chile.
Authorities said the airplane operator died after a medical emergency on Monday, Aug. 14.
LATAM Airlines Pilot Dies Mid-Flight From Miami to Chile
According to USA Today's latest report, the pilot died mid-flight. The incident happened while the Boeing 787 traveled from Miami, Florida, to Santiago, Chile.
When the airplane landed at the Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, first responders quickly tended to the pilot. However, LATAM confirmed that the man died.
The cabin crew also helped the pilot by trying to resuscitate him. Officials said all the protocols were conducted during the flight to save the pilot.
However, despite receiving further medical assistance after landing, the pilot still died, as reported by Fox Business.
"LATAM Group is deeply saddened by this event and takes this opportunity to express our most sincere condolences to the family of our employee," said the airline.
LATAM thanked the pilot for his 25 years of service, saying he was distinguished by his enthusiasm, professionalism, and dedication.
As of press time, the airline's officials haven't revealed the pilot's identity.
Another Rare Case of Incapacitation
Simple Flying reported that what happened to LATAM Airlines, the pilot's death, is a rare case of incapacitation. Pilot incapacitation happens when the airplane operator suddenly suffers from an inability to carry out duties usually.
These could happen because of the effects of physiological factors onset during flight. When this happens, all the remaining crew members must take action immediately to ensure the safety of all the passengers.
Among the things they need to handle are contacting air traffic control, requesting permission to land at the nearest airport, and declaring an emergency landing. In March, another crew incapacitation happened. One of the Southwest Airlines pilots became ill while flying from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Columbus, Ohio.
In the same month, an Air Transat pilot also suffered from incapacitation. During the incident, a second officer assisted the remaining pilot so that the flight could safely continue. If you want to learn more details about pilot incapacitations, you can click this link.