Ankara probes fatal plane crash killing Libya’s army chief

(MENAFN) Turkish authorities have expanded the probe into the plane crash that claimed the lives of Libya’s army chief and seven others on Tuesday, officials said. The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office is leading the investigation, coordinated by a deputy chief prosecutor along with four public prosecutors.

The Falcon 50 business jet went down shortly after taking off from Ankara’s Esenboga Airport en route to Tripoli, Libya. The wreckage was located about 2 kilometers south of Kesikkavak village in the Haymana district of Ankara province.

A comprehensive examination of the crash site is underway, with the area secured and all debris, including the plane’s black box, preserved as critical evidence. Autopsies and toxicology tests are being conducted at the Ankara Forensic Medicine Institute to determine the precise causes of death.

Investigators are scrutinizing the pilots’ circumstances prior to the flight, including sleep patterns, meals, possible alcohol or medication intake, and psychological condition.

Technical experts have been asked to assess whether the aircraft was airworthy, while maintenance personnel responsible for the plane’s most recent servicing are also under review.

Airport camera footage and radio communications between the control tower and the jet have been seized, and additional technical inspections are planned to verify whether any spare parts installed during maintenance met required standards. Fuel samples have been taken from both the tanker and the aircraft to rule out contamination or incorrect fuel use.

Local weather data at the time of the crash has also been collected.

Authorities indicated that if the investigation determines the crash was caused by structural failure or a design flaw, the scope of responsibility will be expanded accordingly.

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