A heavy transport Boeing CH-47F Chinook, belonging to the Army Aviation Command, crashed during a training flight in the Temelli area, as announced by the Ministry of National Defense. None of the crew was injured in the incident, reports Turkiye today, while CNN Turk reports that five were injured.
The ministry confirmed it in a brief statement, saying the plane crashed “for reasons that are not yet known” and that the cause would be determined after a detailed investigation. All crew and personnel on board were reported safe.
Turkey ordered 11 Chinooks in two separate procurement rounds
The fleet of CH-47F Chinook helicopters used by the Turkish Armed Forces was procured through the Defense Industries Board (SSB) in two separate orders, placed in 2011 and 2015, for a total of 11 aircraft. Deliveries began in 2016 and were completed in 2019. The helicopters serve both the Turkish Land Forces Command and the Special Aviation Regiment of the General Staff.
The CH-47F is the latest production variant of the twin-rotor Chinook platform, which has been in continuous service with militaries around the world since the 1960s. Powered by two Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines producing 4,733 horsepower each, the helicopter can lift a payload of up to 24,000 pounds (about 10,886 kg) and reach a maximum speed of 170 knots (315 km/h). Its upper flight limit is 20,000 feet, with a range of 200 nautical miles.
A workhorse aircraft with a wide range of operational roles
In Turkish service, the Chinook undertakes a wide range of missions, including combat operations, troop transport, as well as the movement of heavy weapons, ammunition, fuel, equipment and water. The aircraft is also used in civilian and humanitarian aid operations, reflecting its versatility as a heavy-lift transport.
The Ministry of National Defense has announced that an official investigation will be launched to determine the circumstances of the crash. The initial statement did not reveal further details about the mission, such as the number of crew members on board or the specific phase of the flight when the accident occurred.
