A Turkish Air Force F-16 crashed during a training flight in the northwestern province of Yalova, Turkey’s Defence Ministry said on Wednesday. The ministry attributed the crash to a mechanical malfunction. The pilot successfully ejected and left the aircraft by parachute, and was reported to be in good health.

The accident occurred during training at Yalova Airfield Command. The military aircraft crashed near the 18th Main Jet Base in the Taşköprü area of Çiftlikköy district, Yalova province. The F-16 was reported to belong to the Çelan Squadron of Turkey’s 1st Main Jet Base in Eskişehir.

Medical and fire service rescue teams were dispatched to the crash site after the pilot’s safe escape. The pilot was later rescued and admitted to Yalova Training and Research Hospital for treatment. The Defence Ministry said a detailed investigation had been launched to determine the cause of the accident.