15 fatalities

Controlled Flight into Terrain in Blizzard Kills 15 near Ankara-Etimesgut (TC-BAL)

Ankara-Etimesgut, TurkeyLanding (descent or approach)

On March 25, 1950, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration TC-BAL) operated by Devlet Hava Yollari - DHY was involved in an aviation accident near Ankara-Etimesgut, Turkey during landing or approach. 15 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During a descent to Ankara-Etimesgut Airport in a blizzard, a crew encountered low visibility and impacted a hill. The aircraft was destroyed and all 15 occupants perished. Official cause: controlled flight into terrain.

Accident Overview

While descending to Ankara-Etimesgut Airport, the flight crew faced adverse weather conditions characterized by a blizzard with limited visibility. On approach, the airplane struck a hill. The impact forces and subsequent post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft.

Occupants

The aircraft carried 15 occupants, all of whom were killed in the accident. The crew members were identified as pilot Remzi Gökçen, copilot İlhami Uşaner, radio operator Affan Beken, and mechanic Ekrem Oysu.

Official Findings

The investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be controlled flight into terrain.

Context

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, engine count, or other specific circumstances have been released by the investigating authority.