Balıkesir (Turkey News): An F-16 fighter jet crashed in Turkey’s northwestern province of Balıkesir, resulting in the death of the pilot.
According to the Turkish Ministry of Defense, the aircraft had taken off from the 9th Main Jet Base in Balıkesir on Tuesday at 12:56 PM local time. Shortly after departure, contact with the jet was lost from radar.
The ministry confirmed that the wreckage of the aircraft has been recovered and search-and-rescue operations were immediately initiated. It also confirmed the pilot’s death, stating: “We pray for mercy and forgiveness for our martyred pilot and extend our condolences to his family, the Turkish Armed Forces, and the entire nation. The cause of the crash will be determined after an investigation by the crash inspection team.”
Turkish official Ismail Ostaoglu also expressed condolences to the pilot’s family and deep sorrow over the incident.
