Turkey–Libya Plane Crash Investigation Continues
Turkey and Libya are jointly investigating the plane crash near Ankara that killed Libya’s Chief of Staff and others. Authorities are analyzing black box data, wreckage, and flight records, stressing international cooperation to determine the cause of the accident.
A joint Turkish and Libyan investigation into the fatal plane crash near Ankara that killed Libya’s Chief of Staff, Gen. Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, and seven others is advancing with multiple agencies involved in forensic analysis, site examination, and international cooperation.
The Dassault Falcon-50 business jet departed Ankara Esenboğa Airport on Dec. 23 bound for Tripoli when it reportedly declared an emergency due to an electrical malfunction shortly after takeoff. The aircraft attempted to return to the airport but lost contact and crashed near Kesikkavak in Haymana district. All eight onboard — including five Libyan officials and three crew members — were killed.
Turkish prosecutors have expanded the investigation, assigning multiple prosecutors to examine every aspect of the crash. The probe includes securing wreckage, preserving black boxes, reviewing airport surveillance footage, and analyzing communication records between the aircraft and air traffic control. Authorities are also scrutinizing the aircraft’s maintenance history, crew background, and technical systems to determine the cause.
International cooperation efforts continue. A Libyan committee led by the Criminal Investigation Department is working alongside Turkish authorities at the crash site, while Libyan and French technical teams have conducted on-site examinations of wreckage and debris. Experts are beginning removal and detailed analysis procedures.
The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered and are being analyzed, with further evaluation expected to take place, potentially in a neutral country. Turkish officials have pledged to share investigation findings publicly once available.
Meanwhile, funeral ceremonies for the victims, including Gen. al-Haddad, have taken place in Libya with national mourning declared.