Balikesir, Turkey – Web Desk: A Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed near a highway in western Turkey on Wednesday, killing the pilot.
The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon took off from the 9th Main Jet Base in Balikesir province, but contact was lost with the aircraft immediately after takeoff, according to the Turkish Ministry of Defense. Search and rescue teams quickly located the wreckage near the highway.
The pilot was identified as Major Ibrahim Bolat of the Turkish Air Force. The Ministry of Defense said a special investigative commission has been formed to determine the cause of the crash, and the Chief Public Prosecutor’s office in the province has also launched an investigation.
No other casualties were reported, and authorities are continuing efforts to secure the crash site and investigate the incident.
