A Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight in the northwestern province of Yalova on Wednesday, with the pilot successfully ejecting from the aircraft, Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense said.

“One of our Air Force F-16 aircraft crashed in Yalova during a training flight, and our pilot ejected safely,” the ministry said in a statement published on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal.

The pilot survived the incident, and there were no immediate reports of additional casualties. Local media footage showed smoke rising from the crash site after the aircraft went down.

The Ministry of National Defense said authorities have launched an investigation to establish what caused the aircraft to crash.

“The cause of the crash will be determined following a detailed investigation,” the ministry said.

Initial reports did not indicate whether the crash was caused by a technical malfunction, an operational issue or another factor. Officials are expected to examine the aircraft’s systems and flight data as part of the investigation.

The incident occurred during a training sortie, rather than a combat mission. The safe ejection of the pilot prevented what could have been a more serious outcome.

Further details concerning the crash site, the condition of the pilot and the aircraft are expected to be released as the investigation progresses. (ILKHA)