25.02.2026 06:50
As a result of the crash of an F-16 fighter jet belonging to the 9th Main Jet Base Command in Balıkesir, one of our pilots was martyred, and the first images of the wreckage have emerged. It has been revealed that our martyred pilot ejected with a parachute during the jet's descent, but unfortunately lost his life due to the short distance.
The F-16 aircraft, which took off for a mission flight from the 9th Main Jet Base Command in Balıkesir, crashed shortly after takeoff around 00:50.
DEBRIS SPREAD AROUND
The wreckage of the aircraft, which fell by the roadside in the Karesi area of the Istanbul-İzmir Highway, was scattered around. Upon notification, security forces, firefighters, and medical teams were dispatched to the area. The investigation revealed that the pilot of the aircraft was martyred.
HEARTBREAKING DETAIL ABOUT OUR MARTYRED PILOT
A detail that emerged about our martyred pilot saddened everyone. It was learned that the pilot parachuted during the fall of the F-16 fighter jet but lost his life due to the short distance.
MoD: WE HAVE REACHED THE WRECKAGE OF OUR AIRCRAFT
In a statement, the Ministry of National Defense included the following expressions: "We lost radio contact and tracking information with our F-16 aircraft, which took off from the 9th Main Jet Base Command-Balıkesir, as of 00:56. As a result of the search and rescue efforts initiated immediately, it was determined that our aircraft had crashed, and we have reached the wreckage of our aircraft. Our pilot has been martyred. The cause of the accident will be determined as a result of the investigations by the crash investigation team. We wish God's mercy upon our martyred pilot, and our condolences to his family, the Turkish Armed Forces, and our noble nation."
FIRST IMAGES FROM THE WRECKAGE HAVE ARRIVED
Following the MoD's statement, the first images from the wreckage also came in. In the footage recorded by officials who reached the wreckage of the aircraft near the Izmir-Istanbul Highway where the accident occurred, it was seen that parts were scattered around.