Four Turkish Servicemen Killed in Military Helicopter Crash in Malatya
A Sikorsky S-70 military utility helicopter, the model involved in the fatal crash in eastern Turkey.
A military Sikorsky S-70 helicopter crashed in eastern Turkey's Malatya province, resulting in the deaths of four Turkish service members. The aircraft came down during the early evening hours in the Yeşilyurt district, prompting a swift response from emergency and security teams. Authorities have confirmed that an official investigation is underway, though the precise cause of the accident remains undetermined.
- WhenNovember 12, 2026, at about 18:45 local time
- WhereYeşilyurt district (Samankoy area) of Malatya province, eastern Turkey
- Who was involvedFour Turkish service members
- CasualtiesFour dead
- CauseNot yet determined
- StatusUnder investigation by the Malatya chief public prosecutor's office
What happened
Four Turkish service members lost their lives when a military helicopter came down on the outskirts of Malatya in eastern Turkey. The aircraft involved was identified as a Sikorsky S-70.
The crash occurred in a neighborhood within Malatya’s Yeşilyurt district, specifically noted as the Samankoy area. Footage broadcast by Turkish media outlets showed flames and smoke billowing from the wreckage site as emergency vehicles converged on the location.
The Turkish flag flying against a blue sky.
How it unfolded
The incident took place at approximately 18:45 local time on Thursday evening. Following the impact, a small fire broke out at the scene, which was subsequently extinguished by responding crews.
Turkey's Ministry of National Defense stated that search and rescue operations began immediately once teams reached the wreckage. Police, firefighters, medical personnel, and representatives from the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) were dispatched to manage the situation.
The people involved
The accident claimed the lives of four Turkish soldiers or service members. Officials have not yet disclosed details concerning the specific mission the aircraft was undertaking or the individual roles of those on board.
Beyond confirming that four members of the military were killed, authorities did not provide further information regarding the exact number of personnel who were present on the helicopter when it went down.
Response and aftermath
Emergency responders and security officials immediately secured the crash site to begin examinations. Police and military personnel carefully checked the area while medical and firefighting teams tended to the emergency.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Malatya chief public prosecutor’s office initiated a formal investigation. A deputy chief prosecutor alongside two additional prosecutors were assigned to oversee the case and determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
What we still don't know
The exact cause of the helicopter crash has not yet been determined by the Ministry of National Defense, which stated that the reason for the accident remains unknown.
Additionally, official reports have not detailed the nature of the flight's mission, nor have they clarified whether additional personnel beyond the four victims were on board the aircraft.