Ankara, December 24, 2025 – A private business jet carrying Libyan Chief of Staff General Muhammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad and seven others crashed in a rural area near Haymana, Ankara, last night. All eight individuals on board, including five military personnel and three French crew members, were killed. The Falcon 50 type jet had departed from Ankara Esenboğa Airport en route to Tripoli.
Timeline of the Tragic Event
The aircraft, tail number 9H-DFJ, took off from Esenboğa Airport at 20:17 on December 23. At approximately 20:33, the pilots reported an electrical malfunction to air traffic control and requested an emergency landing. The jet was directed back to Esenboğa, and emergency measures were initiated at the airport. However, at 20:36, the aircraft disappeared from radar screens, and contact was lost. Search and rescue teams, including gendarmerie and AFAD personnel, were immediately dispatched to the Haymana district. The wreckage was located in a desolate area near Kesikkavak village, approximately 2 km south of Haymana. Authorities confirmed that all occupants of the aircraft had perished.
Victims Identified
Libyan officials confirmed the deaths of five military personnel and three crew members. AFP news agency also reported the death of the Libyan Chief of Staff and seven others. The three crew members were identified as French nationals. While official confirmation is pending, Libyan media and Al Jazeera reported the following names as accompanying General Al-Haddad:
- General Al-Fitouri Gharibil, Commander of the Libyan Land Forces
- Brigadier General Mahmoud Al-Qatawi, Head of the Military Production Corporation
- Muhammad Al-Asawi Diab, Advisor to the Chief of Staff
- Muhammad Omar Ahmed Mahjoub, Military Photographer
Libya is reportedly sending a delegation to Ankara to collaborate with Turkish authorities on the investigation into the crash.
Investigation Underway
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Four public prosecutors, coordinated by a chief public prosecutor’s deputy, have been assigned to the case. Evidence collection has commenced at both the crash site and Esenboğa Airport. Initial findings suggest that an electrical malfunction occurred shortly after takeoff, prompting the pilots to attempt a return to the airport. However, the jet crashed before it could land. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya is expected to visit the crash site to oversee the ongoing operations. Security measures have been heightened around the crash site, with gendarmerie teams restricting access to civilians due to the muddy terrain, requiring the deployment of tracked ambulances.
Statements from Turkish and Libyan Officials
Burhanettin Duran, Head of the Turkish Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, released a statement urging the public to rely only on official announcements and to disregard unverified information, speculation, and conspiracy theories circulating on social media. He emphasized the thoroughness of the ongoing investigation.
Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dibeybe expressed profound sadness and offered condolences to the families of the victims. He stated, “This (accident) is a great loss for the homeland, military institutions, and all Libyans. We have lost people who served their country with sincerity and dedication, setting an example of discipline, responsibility, and national commitment.”
Muhammed el-Menfi, Head of the Libyan Presidential Council, also issued a message of condolence, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic loss. He stated, “We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to all the people of Libya for the painful losses due to a tragic accident and heartbreaking event that occurred while returning to the capital Tripoli from an official mission in the Republic of Turkey.”
National Mourning in Libya
The Libyan Government of National Unity has declared three days of national mourning following the deaths of General Al-Haddad and his accompanying delegation. During this period, flags will be flown at half-mast at all state institutions, and all official and celebratory events will be suspended. Prime Minister Dibeybe has instructed the Libyan Ministry of Defense to send an official delegation to Ankara to coordinate directly with Turkish authorities regarding the circumstances of the incident.
Aircraft Details: Dassault Falcon 50
The crashed aircraft was a Dassault Falcon 50, a French-made trijet business jet known for its long-range capabilities and reliability. Key features of the Falcon 50 include:
- First Flight: 1976
- Production: 1976-2008
- Engines: 3 x Honeywell TFE731 turbofan
- Range: Approximately 6,300 km (≈3,400 nm)
- Cruising Speed: Approximately Mach 0.80
- Cabin: 8-9 passengers (configuration dependent)
- Takeoff Distance: Strong performance on relatively short runways
The trijet configuration provides an added sense of security for oceanic and long-haul operations, and the aircraft is renowned for its durability in harsh weather conditions and intensive use. Its ability to operate from smaller airports is also a significant advantage.
The incident occurred after General Al-Haddad concluded official meetings in Ankara, including a reception by Turkish National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and a meeting with Chief of General Staff General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu.
Source: https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/live-son-dakika-haberi-ankarada-ozel-bir-jetle-baglanti-koptu-libya-genelkurmay-baskani-al-haddadi-tasiyordu-43064332
