Two French Nationals Killed in Plane Crash Carrying Libyan Chief to Turkey
In a tragic aviation incident, two French nationals were among the crew members killed when a plane crashed near Ankara, Turkey. The crash occurred on a Tuesday evening, resulting in the deaths of all occupants on board. Notably, the aircraft was transporting Libya’s Chief of Staff, General Mohamed Al-Haddad, along with four of his advisors.
Details of the Incident
The plane, a Falcon 50, took off but crashed less than forty minutes later. The black box was recovered by Turkish authorities, who are investigating the crash. Initial reports suggest that an electrical failure may have contributed to the accident.
Investigation and Analysis
- The Turkish Minister of Transport stated that the black box will be analyzed in a “neutral country.”
- Findings from this analysis will be shared transparently with the public and the international community.
- The Falcon 50 was chartered from Harmony Jets, a private company based in Malta.
Harmony Jets’ website mentions that maintenance for its aircraft is carried out in Lyon, France. Consequently, the French Bureau of Investigation and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) is participating in the Turkish investigation. Three of its investigators, accompanied by technical advisors, are en route to the crash site.
Background on the Aircraft and Crew
The Falcon 50 involved in the crash was operating in support of the Libyan military leadership. Alongside General Al-Haddad, three additional crew members and four advisors lost their lives in the incident. This accident has raised concerns over aviation safety standards and operational procedures in such high-profile flights.
As the investigation unfolds, further insights into the causes of the crash will emerge, and El-Balad will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
