Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu helicopter crash investigation leads to 19 arrests and new falsified‑info claims
The 2009 helicopter crash that killed Büyük Birlik Partisi (BBP) leader Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu and five others has been reopened. Ankara’s Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı detained 27 suspects and presented 19 of them before a judge, while the remaining were placed under judicial control.
New testimony from former Kahramanmaraş intelligence officer İsmail Kaya alleges that a fabricated intelligence note—issued on the orders of then intelligence chief Dursun Özmen—claimed Yazıcıoğlu’s broken leg and his transport to Göksun State Hospital. The note allegedly diverted rescue teams, causing the wreckage to be located only three days after the crash.
Other statements describe a missing ARGUS‑5000CE navigation device that was omitted from the official report, and claims that certain officials suppressed evidence. Several suspects, including former pilot Ali Armağan, have alleged ties to the FETÖ movement, with phone records showing contacts to former “TSK imam” Adil Öksüz.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek affirmed that the investigation will continue, that any FETÖ influence will be examined, and that the process will proceed within the rule of law.