A Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed in Balıkesir in Türkiye late Monday night, killing the pilot, authorities said.
The incident occurred near the Bursa–Izmir highway, with ambulances and police vehicles rushing to the spot to extend assistance. Footage of the incident shows locals running to the scene, where debris from the plane is scattered on the ground.
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“One of our F-16 aircraft belonging to the squadron of the Balıkesir 9th Main Jet Base Command crashed during a mission flight around 00:50, and one of our pilots has been martyred. I pray to Allah for mercy upon our martyr and offer my condolences to his family. May our esteemed nation’s head be consoled", said İsmail Ustaoğlu, the city’s Governor.
Meanwhile, the exact cause of the incident remains unknown. A thorough probe will be conducted into the same to determine what triggered the crash.
In an official statement, the Turkish Ministry of National Defence said, “A Turkish Air Force F-16 aircraft that took off from the 9th Main Jet Base Command-Balıkesir lost radio contact and tracking information starting from 00:56. As a result of the search and rescue efforts immediately initiated, it was determined that our aircraft had crashed, and the wreckage of the aircraft has been located. Our pilot has become a martyr. The cause of the accident will be determined following the investigation to be conducted by the accident investigation team."
Source: World News in news18.com, World Latest News, World News
