Turkey Launches Black Box Investigation After Plane Crash Kills Eight, Including Libyan Military Chief
Turkey has begun a detailed investigation into the recent plane crash that claimed the lives of eight people, including General Muhammad Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, the military chief of western Libya. Turkish authorities are working closely with Libyan officials to determine the exact cause of the crash and to ensure a thorough examination of all evidence. The investigation comes at a time when Turkey has been a key supporter of Libya’s western government but has also recently sought to strengthen relations with authorities in eastern Libya.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense confirmed on Thursday that experts have started examining the black box retrieved from the private jet involved in the crash. This analysis is being conducted in close coordination with Libyan authorities to provide an accurate understanding of the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The private jet was carrying General al-Haddad, four other senior military officers, and three crew members when it crashed shortly after departing from Ankara, Turkey’s capital, on Tuesday. Tragically, all eight individuals on board lost their lives.
Early Findings and Cause of the Crash
Preliminary reports suggest that a technical malfunction in the aircraft may have led to the crash. According to the Associated Press, Libyan officials indicated that the plane experienced a critical failure, which ultimately caused it to go down. General al-Haddad, a prominent figure in western Libya, had played a crucial role in United Nations-backed efforts to unify Libya’s fragmented military forces. The delegation was returning to Tripoli after attending high-level defense meetings in Ankara, focused on enhancing military cooperation between Turkey and Libya.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya noted that the wreckage was spread across more than three square kilometers (over one square mile), making rescue and recovery operations particularly challenging. To assist with the investigation, a delegation of 22 people—including five family members of the victims—arrived from Libya on Wednesday.
Libya’s Ongoing Political Division
The plane crash occurs against the backdrop of Libya’s longstanding political instability. Following the 2011 rebellion that led to the overthrow and killing of longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi, the country split into rival administrations in the east and west. These governments, supported by various local militias and foreign powers, have struggled to maintain unity and stability. Efforts such as the UN-mediated integration of military forces, in which General al-Haddad played a key role, have been central to attempts to reconcile the divided nation.
Turkey’s investigation into the black box is expected to shed light on the technical causes of the crash while reinforcing international collaboration in aviation safety and Libya-Turkey defense relations.