A Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a mission flight in the early hours of Wednesday, killing the pilot, officials confirmed.
The aircraft, assigned to the 9th Main Jet Base Command in Balıkesir, went down at around 00:50 local time shortly after takeoff. Radio and radar contact were reportedly lost minutes into the flight. Search-and-rescue teams later located the wreckage near a highway in the region.
Officials confirm pilot’s death
Balıkesir Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu expressed condolences in a statement shared on social media, confirming that the pilot had died in the crash. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated that the Balıkesir Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched a formal investigation into the incident.
Prosecutors and senior officials were dispatched to the crash site to examine evidence and determine the cause.
Probe underway
Authorities have not yet disclosed the reason for the crash. Investigators are examining the possibility of technical malfunction or other contributing factors. The F-16 is a widely used multi-role combat aircraft operated by several air forces worldwide.
The crash reportedly occurred near the Istanbul–Izmir Motorway, a major transport corridor spanning over 400 kilometres and opened fully in 2019.
The incident has drawn national attention, with tributes pouring in for the deceased pilot.
Further details are expected once preliminary findings from the investigation are made public.