Turkiye and Libya intensify probe into deadly plane crash near Ankara

Turkish Authorities Investigate Plane Crash That Killed Libyan Army Chief

A private jet carrying Libya’s army chief of staff, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, crashed near Ankara on Tuesday. The aircraft, a Dassault Falcon 50, experienced an electrical malfunction shortly after takeoff from Ankara Esenboga Airport and made an emergency landing. Air traffic controllers redirected the plane back towards the airport, but radar contact was lost three minutes later as it descended.

The wreckage of the plane was found near the village of Kesikkavak in Ankara’s Haymana district. Eight people, including three crew members, were killed in the crash. Search and rescue teams reached the site after Turkiye’s Ministry of Interior launched emergency operations.

Libyan officials have been working closely with Turkish authorities to investigate the cause of the crash. Major General Mahmoud Ashour, head of Libya’s Criminal Investigation Department, led a delegation to Ankara on Thursday as part of the joint inquiry. The visit followed discussions with Turkish prosecutors overseeing the case.

Preparations are underway for the return of Al-Haddad’s body, although the timeline remains uncertain. According to reports from Misrata, Libya, the funeral prayer is scheduled to be held tomorrow, but this may be postponed until Saturday due to ongoing DNA testing and recovery efforts. The crash site scattered remains across a wide area, necessitating extensive forensic work.

Turkish authorities have stepped up coordination with Libyan officials as part of the investigation into the plane crash. The joint inquiry aims to determine the cause of the accident and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to support the families of those involved.

Source: Al Jazeera