The pilot of a training helicopter that crashed in Ankara's Sincan district died. The R-44 training helicopter belonging to Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) crashed into an empty field near the Ankara-Eskişehir highway within the boundaries of Temelli neighborhood at 10:02 a.m. on July 22.
The pilot, retired Colonel Yasaözden Bakkal, who was seriously injured in the crash, could not be saved despite medical efforts at the hospital where he was taken. The other person on board, Major Bilgehan Kurtoğlu of the Air Force Command, is receiving treatment.
Governor's Office: Two personnel rescued with injuries
The Ankara Governor's Office announced in a statement shortly after the crash that they had received information that a TUSAŞ R-44 training helicopter had crashed at 10:02 a.m. within the boundaries of the Temelli neighborhood in the Sincan district. The statement said that according to initial findings, the two personnel on board were rescued from the crash with injuries.
Health, fire and gendarmerie teams were dispatched to the scene. After initial intervention, one of the injured was taken to hospital by land ambulance, and the other by helicopter ambulance. Provincial Gendarmerie Command teams set up a security perimeter around the wreckage.
Justice Minister Gürlek offers condolences
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced the news of the pilot's death. In his statement, Gürlek said:
I learned with deep sadness that pilot retired Colonel Yasaözden Bakkal, who was on a training helicopter that crashed during a training flight in Ankara's Sincan district, has died. I wish God's mercy upon him and extend my condolences to his family and loved ones.
Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launches investigation
An investigation into the crash has been launched by the Ankara West Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Two public prosecutors have been assigned to lead the inquiry under the coordination of a deputy chief public prosecutor.
The prosecutors' office ordered an on-site inspection and the preparation of an expert report by the crash investigation team. The investigation is being conducted meticulously in all aspects. The cause of the helicopter's crash has not yet been determined.
R-44 widely used in training flights
The Robinson R-44 involved in the accident is a four-seater light civilian helicopter. The model, widely used in pilot training and general aviation flights worldwide, is also employed in TUSAŞ's training activities.
TUSAŞ, Turkey's largest aerospace company, has a wide production range from unmanned aerial vehicles to fighter aircraft and helicopter programs. Whether the crash was caused by a technical malfunction, environmental conditions, or a problem during an emergency landing will be determined after the expert teams' investigation.
