Miami-Chile flight’s pilot collapses and is pronounced dead after an emergency landing in Panama

The pilot of a flight from Miami to Chile unexpectedly passed out in the restroom, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing. The pilot was transported for medical care when the plane touched down at a different site, but first responders pronounced him dead. The jet was supposed to land at the airport in Santiago, but it ended up at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City.

The airline addressed the tragic incident in a statement, saying, “LATAM Airlines Group reports that flight LA505 yesterday, which was traveling between Miami and Santiago, 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. Emergency personnel saved lives when the jet touched down, but the pilot tragically died.

On August 14, the event happened on a flight operated by LATAM Airlines from Florida to Santiago. According to reports, the airplane departed Miami around 10.11 PM. A replacement captain and first officer were also traveling with the 271 passengers on board the aircraft.

Three hours into the flight, the 56-year-old captain, Captain Ivan Andaur, reportedly began to experience anxiety. Andaur fainted during the flight and got medical care, but when the plane was diverted to Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, he was later pronounced dead.

The airline also expressed its sadness at the senior pilot’s passing. We are shocked and saddened by what has transpired, and we send our sympathies to the employee’s family. His excellent contribution throughout a 25-year career, which was always defined by his passion, professionalism, and dedication, is much appreciated. All required safety procedures were followed throughout the flight to protect the afflicted pilot’s life, according to the statement.