Watch: Turkish Air Force F-16 crashes during mission flight, pilot killed
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 25, 2026
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A Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a mission flight shortly after takeoff near Balıkesir, resulting in the death of the pilot. The incident occurred at approximately 00:50 local time on Wednesday, with radio and radar contact lost moments after the aircraft departed. Footage from the scene shows the jet descending onto the Istanbul-Izmir Motorway, where it ultimately crashed. Search-and-rescue teams located the wreckage and confirmed the tragedy.
The F-16 belonged to the 9th Main Jet Base Command in Balıkesir, a base that has been in operation for decades. The crash site is along the 426-kilometer Istanbul-Izmir Motorway, which was fully completed in August 2019. Balıkesir Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu expressed condolences on X, calling the pilot "martyred" and praying for strength for his family and the nation. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek also issued a statement, noting that an investigation has been launched by the Balıkesir Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with no immediate information pointing to technical failures or other contributing factors. This incident highlights the risks associated with military aviation and underscores the importance of ongoing safety measures. As investigations continue, the global community will be watching for insights into what went wrong, as such events raise broader concerns about flight safety and operational protocols.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026