Etihad pilot dies after becoming 'incapacitated' shortly after take-off on Amsterdam-bound flight

• Plane's first officer issued a distress call and diverted plane to Kuwait
• The pilot died while receiving medical care on the ground
• News comes less than six months after an AA co-pilot died mid-flight

A pilot has died on a cargo plane after falling ill shortly after take-off.

Abu Dhabi-based long-haul carrier Etihad confirmed that the pilot on board Flight No. EY927 from Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam 'became incapacitated' during the flight.

Etihad says the plane's first officer issued a distress call and safely diverted the plane to Kuwait. 

However, the pilot died while receiving medical care on the ground. 

Etihad said: 'We are deeply saddened by the loss and are focused on taking care of our late colleague's family at this time, to whom we offer our heartfelt condolences.'

The news comes less than six months after an American Airlines co-pilot died after falling ill while in the air just two miles from his destination.

Father-of-one William Grubbs, 57, announced a medical emergency over the intercom over Albuquerque, New Mexico, where his Boeing 737 was due to land.

After landing, medics battled to save his life - spending 40 minutes performing CPR but sadly they could not revive him. 

The cause of the pilot's death is yet to be revealed.

AA said at the time it was 'deeply saddened' by Mr Grubbs's death and sent a message of condolence to his loved ones.

A spokesman said: 'Our thoughts and prayers are with Grubbs's family during this difficult time.'