Turkish Airlines Flight 301 was a scheduled domestic flight from Izmir Cumaovası Airport to Istanbul. On January 26, 1974, the Fokker F28 Fellowship aircraft took off but failed to gain sufficient altitude. Shortly after liftoff, the aircraft crashed, resulting in the deaths of 66 out of the 73 people on board, including passengers and crew members. Eyewitness accounts and subsequent investigations indicated that the plane might have encountered issues related to engine failure or improper ascent protocols.

In the aftermath of the crash, it was revealed that the pilot and co-pilot had failed to follow critical safety protocols, and the airline faced intense scrutiny regarding its maintenance practices and safety standards. The incident spurred the Turkish government to take a closer look at regulations governing domestic air travel, aiming to enhance the overall safety of Turkish Airlines and the aviation industry as a whole.

The loss of life had a profound impact on Turkish society, raising public awareness about aviation safety. The Turkish government implemented reforms to improve air traffic control systems and mandated additional training for flight crews. As air travel became increasingly popular in Turkey, enhancing passenger safety became a priority for the airline and regulatory authorities.