Libya Army Chief Dies in Turkey Jet Crash After Emergency Landing Request

A jet carrying Libya’s army chief crashed in Turkey on Tuesday. It went down soon after the crew warned of an electrical failure. The aircraft vanished from radar as it tried to return to Ankara. Eight people died in the crash, including the army chief.

Officials in Turkey and Libya confirmed the deaths late Wednesday. The crash took place near Kesikkavak village, south of Ankara. Search teams reached the wreckage soon after sunset.

Libya Army Chief Jet Crash: New Details From Investigators

According to Reuters, the jet took off from Ankara’s Esenboga Airport at 1717 GMT. It was headed for Tripoli. Sixteen minutes later, the crew reported an electrical fault. They asked for an emergency landing. Air traffic control ordered the jet to turn back.

The crew began their descent at 1733 GMT. The jet disappeared from radar three minutes later. Turkish officials said the aircraft went down near Haymana district. Rescue teams reached the site quickly. They found no survivors.

Libya said the jet was a leased Dassault Falcon 50. It was registered in Malta. Officials said its technical record will be reviewed. They also confirmed that Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, Libya’s army chief, was on board. Four members of his team were with him.

Turkey’s Interior Ministry launched a full investigation. All relevant agencies are taking part. Early findings point to a sudden electrical failure. But investigators said the final cause is not yet known.

Impact on Libya’s Military Leadership and Regional Stability

The death of Libya’s army chief comes at a tense moment for the country. His role was central to security planning. Analysts expect short-term uncertainty within Libya’s armed forces. The leadership will need to appoint a replacement soon.

The crash may also slow diplomatic work between Libya and Turkey. Both countries have cooperated on military and political issues. Officials said joint efforts will continue. But the loss of a key figure may affect ongoing talks.

For Turkey, the crash raises questions about air safety for diplomatic flights. Investigators are checking the jet’s maintenance records. They are also reviewing communication logs from the final minutes.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: What caused the Libya army chief jet crash?

Investigators say the crew reported an electrical failure. The jet went down minutes later. The final cause is still under review.

Q2: Who died in the crash?

Eight people died. They included Libya’s army chief Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, four aides, and three crew members.

Q3: Where did the jet crash?

The aircraft crashed near Kesikkavak village in Turkey. The site is in Ankara’s Haymana district. Search teams reached it soon after the alert.

Q4: Which aircraft was involved?

It was a Dassault Falcon 50. Officials say it was leased and registered in Malta. Its technical history is now being checked.

Q5: Who is leading the investigation?

Turkey’s Interior Ministry is in charge. All relevant aviation and security agencies are taking part. Libya is also sharing information.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, BBC News