A private jet carrying Libya’s military chief Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad crashed near Ankara, Türkiye, killing all eight people onboard. The Falcon 50 aircraft lost contact around 40 minutes after takeoff from Esenboğa Airport.
Libyan Military Commander Killed in Private Jet Crash in Türkiye
Ankara: A major plane crash occurred in Turkey on Tuesday evening, raising international concerns. The accident killed a total of eight people, including Libya's top military chief, Muhammad Ali Ahmed al-Haddad. The incident happened as the Libyan delegation was returning home after completing an official visit to Ankara, the capital of Turkey. The crash has caused a wave of grief in both Turkey and Libya.
Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh confirmed the accident, describing it as a "deeply tragic and irreparable loss." He said the crash was a major blow to Libya, not only in human terms but also strategically. The private jet involved in the accident was a Falcon 50 aircraft, carrying the Libyan military chief, four other senior officers, and three crew members.
Mexico Plane Crash: Seven dead in emergency landing mishap; Click for details
According to Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, the plane took off from Ankara's Esenboğa Airport at approximately 8:30 PM on Tuesday evening. Contact with the aircraft was lost about 40 minutes later. Shortly afterward, the wreckage of the plane was found near the Haymana district, south of Ankara. All passengers died at the scene.
Preliminary information suggests that bad weather and a technical malfunction are the likely causes of the accident. It is reported that the plane sent an emergency landing signal before contact was completely lost. Local residents also confirmed seeing a bright light in the sky over the Haymana district, after which security agencies were alerted.
Immediately after the accident, Esenboğa Airport was temporarily closed, and several flights were diverted to other airports. Turkish emergency and security agencies arrived at the scene and began rescue and investigation efforts. A detailed investigation into the causes of the accident is currently underway.
Russia admits missiles caused Azerbaijani plane crash; Killing 38
Muhammad Ali Ahmed al-Haddad was a top military commander in western Libya. He was considered to have played a key role in UN-mediated efforts to unify Libya's divided army. During his visit to Turkey, he met with several senior officials, including Defense Minister Yaşar Güler. His death is considered a major blow to Libya's security and political landscape.
The aircraft involved in the accident was a Dassault Falcon 50 (9H-DFS), a super mid-size, triple-engine business jet. The aircraft was manufactured in 1988 and is registered in Malta. It has a seating capacity of 10 passengers and is considered to be equipped with modern amenities.
