A pilot from LATAM Airlines died suddenly and unexpectedly during a flight from Miami, Florida, to Santiago, Chile, after suffering from a medical emergency, according to reports.
After the crew reported a medical emergency, the LATAM flight 505 was diverted to Tocumen International Airport in Panama.
The pilot was identified as Captain Iván Andaur Santibáñez, 56, who died while operating LATAM flight 505 on Monday night.
Captain Santibáñez had begun to feel unwell three hours into the flight, Euro ES Euro reports.
Andaur reportedly collapsed in the bathroom before the crew gave him emergency treatment.
Andaur, 56, was at the helm of the Santiago-bound LATAM airlines flight when he suffered apparent cardiac arrest, according to the Sun.
“Unfortunately, we did not have the necessary or sufficient supplies to perform a good resuscitation,” said the nurse, who was identified only as Isadora on social media.
“LATAM needs to improve the issue of protocol in case of health and medical emergencies like this where lives can be saved but the resources are needed.”
Tragically, Andaur died and was declared dead on arrival.
LATAM Airlines released a statement following the tragic event:
“LATAM Airlines Group reports that flight LA505 yesterday, which was on the Miami-Santiago route, 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.
We are deeply moved by what has happened, and we extend our sincere condolences to the family of our employee.
We are deeply grateful for his 25-year career and his valuable contribution, which was always distinguished by his dedication, professionalism, and dedication.
During the flight, all the necessary safety protocols were carried out to safeguard the life of the affected pilot.”
READ: Southwest Airlines Pilot Suffers Medical Emergency Shortly after Take Off
