Libyan Army Chief Feared Lost as Private Jet Crashes in Turkey – Breaking News
ANKARA, TURKEY – A private Falcon 50 jet has crashed in the Haymana district of Ankara, Turkey, late Tuesday night, sparking a large-scale search and rescue operation. Tragically, the aircraft was carrying five people, including General Mohammed Ali Ahmed-Al Haddad, the Chief of Staff of the Libyan Armed Forces. This breaking news story is developing rapidly, and archyde.com is committed to providing the latest updates as they become available.
Emergency Landing Attempt & Loss of Contact
The jet, registered as 9H-DFJ and operated by a private jet company, departed from Ankara’s Esenboga Airport at 8:10 p.m. local time, destined for Tripoli, Libya. Shortly before 9:00 p.m., the pilot requested an emergency landing at the Haimana area due to reported electronic systems problems. According to a statement from Turkish Interior Minister Ali Gerlikay, contact with the aircraft was lost at 8:52 p.m. A subsequent search revealed evidence of a crash, including reports of a loud bang and security camera footage showing a bright flash. Esenboga Airport was temporarily closed, diverting flights to Kayseri, as a precautionary measure.
Search & Rescue Efforts Underway
A massive operation involving the Turkish Armed Forces, the Gendarmerie, AFAD (Turkey’s disaster and emergency management agency), the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of the Interior is currently underway. Teams are combing the crash site, located near Haymana, south of Ankara, for any survivors. The investigation is focused on determining the cause of the electronic systems failure and the subsequent loss of control. The Libyan official had reportedly met with Turkish counterparts earlier in the day, adding a layer of diplomatic sensitivity to the situation.
A Concerning Trend: Recent Aviation Incidents in Turkey
This crash marks the third aviation incident linked to Turkey in just over 40 days, raising concerns about aviation safety in the region. On November 11th, a C-130 transport plane crashed near the border of Georgia and Azerbaijan, resulting in the loss of all 20 people on board. Just two days later, on November 13th, a Turkish Canadair aircraft involved in firefighting operations crashed in Croatia, claiming the lives of both crew members. While each incident is unique, the frequency is prompting a closer look at potential contributing factors, including maintenance protocols and air traffic control procedures.
Understanding the Falcon 50: A Workhorse of Private Aviation
The Falcon 50 is a French-built, tri-jet business aircraft renowned for its reliability and range. First introduced in the 1970s, it remains a popular choice for private and corporate travel, often utilized for long-distance flights. Its robust design and relatively simple systems have made it a workhorse in the private aviation sector. However, like all aircraft, it requires diligent maintenance and adherence to strict safety standards. Understanding the aircraft type involved provides valuable context as investigators piece together the events leading to this tragic accident.
Staying Informed: archyde.com’s Commitment to Breaking News
The situation remains fluid, and further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. archyde.com will continue to monitor this breaking news story closely, providing updates and analysis as they become available. For the latest information on this incident, and other important news from around the globe, be sure to check back frequently. We are dedicated to delivering accurate, timely, and insightful reporting, optimized for Google News and SEO to ensure you stay informed.
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