Turkish Airlines Flight 345 was a domestic passenger flight that tragically met its end in the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul's Yeşilköy Airport. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas DC-10, encountered severe mechanical issues believed to stem from an engine failure, leading to a loss of control. Despite the crew's efforts to stabilize the flight, it plummeted into the sea, a catastrophic event that shocked the aviation community and passengers alike. The crash occurred in the early afternoon, during what was expected to be a routine flight for Turkish Airlines, the country's national airline.

In the aftermath of the crash, rescue operations were initiated immediately, but they were hampered by the challenging maritime conditions. Search and recovery efforts were extensive, with a focus on retrieving the victims and determining the fate of the aircraft. Investigations were launched to explore potential causes, including mechanical failure, pilot error, and the state of aircraft maintenance in the Turkish aviation sector. This incident raised pressing questions about the reliability of aviation safety protocols at that time and led to calls for improved regulations and oversight.

The event marked a pivotal moment for Turkish Airlines and the broader aviation industry in Turkey. With an increasing number of domestic and international flights, there was a heightened awareness of transport safety and systemic issues within Turkish aviation standards. This incident would influence future policies and procedures to ensure greater safety in the skies above Turkey and beyond.