The private jet, which took off from Ankara Esenboğa Airport and carried the delegation including the Libyan Chief of General Staff, crashed near the Haymana district. It was reported that everyone on the plane died in the accident. While search-rescue and investigation efforts regarding the incident were continuing, eyewitnesses claimed that the plane exploded in the air.
Wreckage Found Near Kesikkavak
Security forces reached the wreckage of the jet approximately 2 kilometers south of Kesikkavak District of Haymana. While the region was placed under a wide security perimeter, civilian passage was not allowed. Since the terrain was muddy and rugged, tracked vehicles and air elements also supported the work.
Eyewitness: “The Explosion Was Very Severe”
Kesikkavak village resident Sebahattin, who witnessed the incident, stated that they heard a big explosion and said: “Around 20.50, there was a very strong explosion, the house shook. We saw a big flash of light in the sky. At first, we thought the transmitter or transformer had exploded. We later learned that the plane crashed. In my opinion, the plane exploded while in the air,” he said.
Emergency Landing Request Due to Electrical Failure
According to the statement made by the authorities, the Falcon 50 type private jet Shortly after takeoff, he reported an emergency to air traffic control due to an electrical fault and was directed to return to Esenboğa. However, the plane lost radar contact as it began to descend.
Black Box and Voice Recorder Found
Minister of Internal Affairs Ali Yerlikayaannounced that as a result of the work carried out in the wreckage area, the plane’s voice recorder and black box were found. It was reported that the review process will continue under the coordination of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. While more than 400 personnel are working in the field, snapshots are taken with UAVs.
Investigation Started
Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched a comprehensive investigation into the accident. While four public prosecutors have been appointed, the incident is being examined in all its aspects.
3 Days of National Mourning in Libya
The Libyan National Unity Government declared national mourning for 3 days in the country due to the death of Chief of General Staff Muhammad Ali Al-Haddad and his accompanying delegation.. Libyan Presidential Council President Mohammed al-Menfi and Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dibeybe also published condolence messages.
The Tragedy After the Official Visit
General Al-Haddad came to Türkiye upon the invitation of the Chief of General Staff, General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, and was welcomed with an official ceremony at the General Staff. The delegation set out to return to Libya after their contacts in Ankara.
