Close Call at Teknofest: Solo Turk F-16 Demo Jet’s Near Miss Leaves Crowd in Shock
Adana, Turkey – A dramatic incident involving an F-16 fighter jet from the Turkish Air Force’s acclaimed Solo Turk F-16 Solo Display team left spectators shaken during a demonstration at Teknofest, Turkey’s premier aerospace and technology festival. The event, held from October 2 to 6, 2024, at Sakirpasa Airport in Adana, witnessed a close call that could have ended in disaster.
The incident occurred on the second day of the festival, as the Solo Turk pilot executed a low-altitude wing wave, the final manoeuvre of the demonstration. During this manoeuvre, the jet unexpectedly overbanked, nearly inverting and descending toward the ground. In order to save the jet, the pilot decided to complete the roll and level the aircraft just above the crowd, narrowly avoiding a potential catastrophe. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the audience.
SoloTurk
The Royal International Air Tattoo 2024
Witnesses described a scene of panic, with some spectators screaming and moving away as the jet approached. While video footage of the incident has circulated, the exact altitude of the aircraft remains difficult to ascertain from the available angles.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Turkish government has initiated an investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that the F-16 may have experienced a malfunction in its flight control system, although no official confirmation has been made regarding the cause. Following the demonstration, the Solo Turk aircraft landed safely at Incirlik Air Base, where technical teams began reviewing video recordings and other flight data to identify any anomalies.
Expert teams have been dispatched to assist with the investigation, which aims to determine the factors that contributed to the close call. Once the investigation is concluded, a detailed report will be prepared, and measures will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
SOLOTÜRK uçağı uzman ekiplerce incelemede https://t.co/wyQlAzfyIL pic.twitter.com/oiz8AYvY4L
— tolgaozbekcom (@tolgaozbek_com) October 3, 2024
Despite this close call, the Solo Turk F-16 display remains one of the most esteemed performances on the European airshow circuit, backed by an excellent safety record. Operating out of Konya Air Base, the Solo Turk team consists of around a dozen personnel, including two pilots, two display jets and various support aircraft, and has received multiple awards for its impressive airshow performances.
The dramatic footage serves as a stark reminder of the thin line between breathtaking aerial displays and potential disaster. The rarity of such close calls highlights the extensive preparation and collaboration between air forces and airshow organizers, ensuring that these performances remain both safe and spectacular for audiences around the world.
SOLOTÜRK TEKNOFEST Adana'da yürekleri hoplattı pic.twitter.com/pSSnEVRGW6
— tolgaozbekcom (@tolgaozbek_com) October 3, 2024
Teknofest, which began in 2018, has grown into a significant event celebrating innovation and technology, featuring contests, air shows, concerts, and discussions. This year’s festival attracted approximately 1.1 million visitors. In 2023, commemorating Turkey’s centenary, the event was held in major cities including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, drawing over 4.5 million attendees.
As the investigation unfolds, the Solo Turk team remains committed to ensuring the safety and excellence of their performances, reaffirming their dedication to thrilling audiences while prioritizing public safety.
