A tragic plane crash near Ankara, Turkey, has sent shockwaves across the region, confirming the deaths of eight individuals, including Libyan Military Chief Muhammad Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad. The incident occurred as a Libyan delegation was returning home after an official visit to Turkey, while following the crash, Ankara Airport was temporarily shut down, leading to the diversion of numerous flights to other airports.
Libyan Military Chief and Officials Perish
In this unfortunate accident, Libyan Military Chief Muhammad Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, along with four other senior officials and three crew members, lost their lives. Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibeh confirmed the incident, describing it as a significant loss for the nation. The other officials who perished were Al-Fitouri Ghraibil, Brigadier General Mahmoud Al-Qatawi, Mohammed Al-Asawi Diab (Advisor to the Chief of Staff), and Mohammed Omar Ahmed Mahjoub (Military Photographer in the Chief of Staff's office). All were part of the Libyan delegation that had concluded official meetings in Turkey.
Cause and Sequence of the Crash
According to Libyan authorities, a technical malfunction in the aircraft was the primary cause of this disaster. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that the plane took off from Ankara's Esenboga Airport around 8:30 PM on Tuesday. Contact with the aircraft was lost approximately 40 minutes after takeoff, while prior to losing contact, the plane had sent an emergency landing signal from near the Haymana district, south of Ankara. Minutes after the signal, a bright light was observed in the skies above Haymana, prompting security agencies to respond. The wreckage of the Falcon-50 class private jet was subsequently recovered near Ankara.
Role of Inclement Weather
While technical malfunction is cited as the main cause, it's also believed that inclement weather played a significant role in the loss of contact with the aircraft. A detailed investigation into the exact causes of the accident is currently underway. The fact that the pilots sent an emergency landing signal indicates they encountered a serious problem during the flight. Adverse weather conditions likely compounded the situation, making it impossible to safely control the aircraft.
Impact on Ankara Airport Operations
Immediately following the major plane crash, Ankara's Esenboga Airport was temporarily closed. This measure was taken to ensure safety and facilitate investigation procedures. Due to the airport closure, several scheduled flights had to be diverted to other nearby airports, causing inconvenience to passengers. Normal operations at the airport are expected to resume once the investigation is complete and safety protocols have been reviewed.
Significant Blow to Libya's Stability
This incident is considered a severe blow to Libya's security and political landscape. Military Chief Muhammad Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad was a top military commander in western Libya and played a crucial role in UN-mediated efforts to unify Libya's fragmented army. His death could Importantly impede efforts to establish peace and stability in Libya, while prime Minister Dbeibeh has remained in contact with the Turkish President and other leaders regarding the incident, ensuring cooperation in the investigation and subsequent actions.
Al-Haddad's Turkey Visit and Aircraft Details
Muhammad Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad was in Ankara on Tuesday for an official visit, where he met with Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and other senior officials, while this meeting was considered important in the context of Libya's security and military cooperation. The aircraft in which Al-Haddad and other officials were traveling was a Dassault Falcon 50 (registration 9H-DFS). This is described as a super mid-size, triple-engine business jet operated by Harmony Jets and registered in Malta. Manufactured in 1988, the aircraft has a seating capacity for 10 passengers and is equipped with modern amenities, including Wi-Fi. The occurrence of a technical malfunction in such a modern aircraft is a critical point for the ongoing investigation.
