787 Captain Collapses Mid-Flight, Dies Later

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Key Takeaways:

  • A LATAM Airlines flight was diverted to Panama after its captain, Ivan Andaur, died mid-flight from an illness experienced in a bathroom.
  • Two other pilots took control of the Boeing 787, while a nurse and two doctors who were passengers attempted to save the captain but were unsuccessful.
  • A passenger nurse reportedly claimed the aircraft lacked sufficient medical supplies for an effective resuscitation attempt.
  • The airline stated all necessary protocols were followed and staff along with medical personnel did their best, but the pilot passed away after landing.
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A LATAM Airlines flight from Miami to Santiago was diverted to Panama on Sunday after the captain died after becoming ill in a bathroom. Capt. Ivan Andaur collapsed about 40 minutes into the flight. There were two other pilots on the Boeing 787 and they took over. A nurse and two doctors who were passengers on the flight tried to save him and could not. The nurse reportedly said on social media that the aircraft “did not have the necessary or sufficient supplies to perform a good resuscitation.” 

The medics worked on the pilot until after the plane landed in Panama City and the aircraft was evacuated of other passengers. The airline said its staff and the medical personnel did their best to save the pilot. “All the necessary protocols were followed during the flight to safeguard the life of the affected pilot,” the airline said in a statement to the New York Post. “Unfortunately, after landing and receiving further medical assistance, the pilot passed away.”

Russ Niles

Russ Niles is Editor-in-Chief of AVweb. He has been a pilot for 30 years and joined AVweb 22 years ago. He and his wife Marni live in southern British Columbia where they also operate a small winery.
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