26.02.2026 08:03
It has been revealed that Air Pilot Major İbrahim Bolat, who was martyred in the F-16 crash during a mission flight in Balıkesir, tried to control the aircraft until the last moment, steering it away from residential areas and highways, thus preventing a potential major disaster. In the initial investigations conducted as part of the inquiry initiated by the Balıkesir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was emphasized that the pilot may have experienced a condition known as "aeronautical vertigo," which leads to a loss of spatial and positional awareness in the air.
The F-16 fighter jet that took off for a mission flight from the 9th Main Jet Base Command in Balıkesir lost contact after a while. As a result of the search efforts, it was determined that the plane had crashed near the İzmir-Istanbul Highway. In the accident, Air Pilot Major İbrahim Bolat was martyred.
DIRECTED TO A POINT AWAY FROM THE HIGHWAY
According to a report by Sabah, it was revealed that the martyred pilot made great efforts until the last moments when he lost control of the aircraft. It was learned that Bolat tried to direct the plane to a point as far away from populated areas and the highway as possible, and during this time, he could not find the opportunity to parachute. It was assessed that the pilot tried to save the aircraft until the last second and prevented a potentially greater disaster.
"FLYING VERTIGO" MAY HAVE OCCURRED
After the accident, an investigation was initiated by the Balıkesir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. In the initial examinations, it was emphasized that the pilot may have experienced a condition known as "flying vertigo," which leads to the loss of spatial orientation and position perception in the air. This condition, also known as spatial disorientation, could cause the pilot to misperceive the aircraft's position, especially during high speed and maneuvering.
BLACK BOX WILL BE EXAMINED
Authorities reported that the technical data of the aircraft and the black box recordings would be examined in detail, and the definitive result would become clear after the technical analyses. The Ministry of National Defense also announced that an administrative and technical investigation regarding the accident is ongoing.
EMOTIONAL MOMENTS AT THE CEREMONY
A military ceremony was held at the Balıkesir 9th Main Jet Base Command for the martyred Air Pilot Major İbrahim Bolat. Military officials, his family, relatives, and comrades attended the ceremony. His body, wrapped in the Turkish flag, was sent off to his hometown with prayers. Emotional moments were experienced during the ceremony.