11 fatalities

Aircraft Strikes Mount Medetsiz Near Adana, Killing 11 (TC-KOP)

Mt Medetsiz, TurkeyFlight

On March 8, 1962, a Fairchild F27 (registration TC-KOP) operated by Turkish Airlines - THY Türk Hava Yollari was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Medetsiz, Turkey in flight. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: According to reports received by the Incirlik tower, the aircraft should have been on the Adana radio range at 1540 hours and at flight level 175. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 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

While en route to Adana, an aircraft struck Mount Medetsiz at 6,800 feet, killing all 11 occupants. The pilot lost positional awareness while avoiding clouds.

Incident Overview

An aircraft operating a flight bound for Adana, Turkey, collided with terrain approximately 87 kilometers north of Adana Airport. The accident occurred when the aircraft struck the slope of Mount Medetsiz at an altitude of 6,800 feet. All 11 individuals on board lost their lives.

Sequence of Events

En route, the pilot reported passing over Aksaray and estimated arrival at Adana at 1740 local time. At 1728, the pilot reported being at flight level 175 and requested clearance to approach. By 1740, air traffic controllers cleared the flight to descend to 5,000 feet and instructed the crew to report when passing through 8,000 feet and 7,000 feet. Shortly after these communications, the aircraft impacted Mount Medetsiz.

Probable Cause

According to reports received by the Incirlik tower, the aircraft should have been on the Adana radio range at 1540 hours and at flight level 175. While avoiding cumulus clouds and associated turbulent conditions, the pilot was unable to maintain awareness of the aircraft's exact position or to maintain precise altitude, leading to the collision.