Investigation Underway into Private Jet Crash that Killed Libyan Army Chief

Istanbul, Turkiye – Turkish and Libyan authorities are currently investigating the tragic crash of a private jet that resulted in the deaths of Libya’s army chief, Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, along with seven others near Ankara. This inquiry is being directed by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and will examine multiple angles including technical evidence, flight recordings, crew actions, and aircraft maintenance.

The Flight and Crash Timeline

General al-Haddad arrived in Ankara on Tuesday for discussions with Turkish military officials, including his counterpart Selcuk Bayraktaroglu and Defence Minister Yasar Guler. The jet, a French-manufactured Dassault Falcon 50, departed from Ankara Esenboga Airport at 2:17 PM, bound for Libya. Just 16 minutes into the flight, the aircraft reported an electrical malfunction and requested an emergency return. Radar contact was lost shortly after this distress call at 2:41 PM.

Officials indicate there was a mere two-minute gap between the emergency alert and the subsequent crash.

Details of the Ongoing Investigation

The forensic examination of General al-Haddad and the others on board was completed quickly, with their bodies being repatriated to Libya following a formal ceremony at a base outside Ankara. Turkish security forces have cordoned off the crash site near Kesikkavak village, located approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) south of Ankara. All debris, including the crucial cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, has been secured and sent for analysis.

The investigation encompasses various elements, such as air traffic control recordings, radar data, and security camera footage from the airport. Authorities are also reviewing the pilots’ communication logs and their rest periods, alongside any medicines or meals consumed prior to the flight. Additionally, maintenance records and documentation from the aircraft’s latest inspections are being scrutinized for potential mechanical failures. Fuel samples from both the wreckage and the airport fuel tanks have been examined to ascertain the possibility of contamination or incorrect fuel usage. Relevant meteorological data from the time of the crash has also been requested.

If evidence suggests a structural failure or design flaw, the scope of the investigation may broaden to include aircraft manufacturers and maintenance contractors.

A Multinational Incident

Former head of Turkey’s air force intelligence, Gursel Tokmakoglu, has called for the crash to be regarded as an international case due to the numerous stakeholders involved. “This incident includes a Libyan government-commissioned aircraft from a foreign country, manufactured elsewhere, with international pilots, and occurring on Turkish soil,” he explained.

Concerns have been raised regarding the possible need to send the black boxes to another country for further analysis. Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu previously stated that this might be necessary, prompting questions about the viability of conducting analyses within Turkiye or Libya itself. Tokmakoglu noted that analyzing the black boxes domestically could foster transparency and clarity, especially given the array of international parties involved.

Initial findings indicated that the aircraft transmitted an emergency “squawk” code 7700, signaling an urgent situation and reported an electrical malfunction. However, Tokmakoglu cautioned against jumping to conclusions about the malfunction being the definitive cause of the crash, comparing it to how a patient might enter intensive care for one issue but ultimately succumb to another.

Aviation analyst Guntay Simsek reported no evidence of external factors such as an explosion contributing to the crash, emphasizing that the technical investigation is ongoing. He reinforced the importance of timely investigations in line with ICAO regulations, which stipulate a preliminary report within 30 days and a comprehensive report within a year.

Conclusion

The tragic demise of General al-Haddad and his companions has left questions that the ongoing investigation aims to address thoroughly. Authorities are diligently working to piece together the timeline and circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident, as all parties involved seek answers.