Turkish F-16 fighter jet crashes killing pilot

ISTANBUL, Feb 25 (KUNA) -- Turkish authorities announced Wednesday that an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a mission in Balikesir province in northwestern Turkiye, resulting in the death of its pilot.
The Turkish Ministry of National Defense said on the social media platform X that contact was lost with an F-16 aircraft that had taken off from the 9th Main Jet Base Command in Balikesir.
The ministry said search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched, confirming the aircraft had crashed and its wreckage was located.
It added that the cause of the incident will be determined following an investigation by a specialized accident review team.
Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu said on social media platform X that the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, noting that one pilot was killed and extending condolences to the Turkish people. (end) ta.aai