Ankara - CH-47 Helicopter Crash (2026)

Ankara-based CH-47 Helicopter Crash (2026) occurred on 21 April 2026 when a Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy transport helicopter belonging to the Turkish Land Forces Aviation Command crashed during a training flight in the Temelli region of Ankara. There were no fatalities; all personnel on board were transported to hospital.

Investigations are being conducted on the helicopter that crashed in Ankara, 22 April 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)

Course of the Incident

The Ministry of National Defense stated that a CH-47 heavy transport helicopter under the command of the Turkish Land Forces Aviation Command crashed in the Temelli region of Ankara due to a cause yet to be determined during a training flight. The statement added: “There is no adverse condition among our personnel. The cause of the crash will be determined following a detailed investigation.” The crash occurred during the helicopter’s landing phase.

Incident Site and Response

Following the crash, the area where the helicopter came down was secured by gendarmerie units. The Turkish Armed Forces Disaster Search and Rescue Team, along with military authorities, began investigation operations at the site.

CH-47 Chinook in the inventory of the Turkish Land Forces Aviation Command - (Anadolu Agency)

Sincan District Governor Levent Kılıç stated in his remarks that five personnel on board were affected by the crash and taken to hospital. Kılıç confirmed that the incident occurred during the landing phase of a training flight and added: “There is no problem. A military investigation team will arrive. Our Commander of the Land Forces has also arrived. It is reassuring that there were no casualties.”

Official Statements

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, in a statement on his social media account, said: “Our condolences to our Armed Forces and the personnel who survived the crash. The cause of the incident will be examined in full detail and with utmost care.”

Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran stated in his remarks that there were no adverse health conditions reported among the personnel involved in the crash and that technical teams were continuing their investigations. He further added: “It is essential that unverified and disinformation-laden reports circulating in the public sphere regarding this matter be disregarded. I extend my condolences to our esteemed nation and the Turkish Armed Forces.”

Investigations are being conducted on the helicopter that crashed in Ankara, 22 April 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)

Technical Specifications of the Helicopter (CH-47F Chinook)

The Boeing CH-47F Chinook heavy transport helicopter involved in the crash was procured by the Presidency of Defense Industries in 2011 and 2015 under a total order of 11 units for use by the Turkish Land Forces Command and the General Staff Special Air Regiment. The first helicopter was delivered to Türkiye in 2016 and the last in 2019.

The helicopter’s key technical specifications are as follows:

• Length: Fuselage 15.9 metres; rotor span 30.18 metres
• Width: 3.78 metres
• Rotor diameter: 18.29 metres
• Height: 5.77 metres
• Engines: Two Honeywell 55-GA-714A engines, each producing 4,733 shp (3,529 kW)
• Maximum speed: 170 knots (approximately 315 km/h)
• Fuel capacity: 3,914 litres
• Service ceiling: 20,000 feet
• Useful load capacity: 10,886 kilograms
• Operational range: 200 nautical miles (approximately 370.4 kilometres)
• Maximum gross weight: 22,680 kilograms

CH-47F Chinook helicopters are used not only in military operations but also in civil and humanitarian missions, transporting personnel, heavy weapon systems, ammunition, fuel and various logistical supplies.

Investigation Process

Technical investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, and the crash investigation team is expected to conduct a detailed assessment at the incident site.