A Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight in the northwestern province of Yalova on Wednesday, but the pilot survived, the country’s Defense Ministry said.
The ministry said in a social media statement that the jet crashed during a routine training mission. The pilot safely ejected from the aircraft before it went down.
The exact cause of the crash will be determined following a detailed investigation, according to the ministry.
Local media reported that a large number of ambulances and medical rescue teams were dispatched to the crash site following the incident.
Live footage aired by Turkish news channel NTV showed a fireball and thick black smoke rising from the wreckage. The smoke could be seen from several areas across the province.
