Turkish prosecutors launch broad investigation into Libyan jet crash

Turkish prosecutors have launched a broad criminal investigation into the plane crash that killed Libya's army chief and seven others near Ankara. The Chief Public Prosecutor's Office in the capital is leading the probe, focusing on multiple technical and human factors that could have led to the Falcon 50 business jet's fatal crash on Tuesday.

Comprehensive evidence collection and security

A team of prosecutors has secured the crash site near Kesikkavak village in Ankara's Haymana district under a security perimeter. All critical evidence, including the aircraft's flight data and cockpit voice recorders (the "black box"), has been retrieved. Investigators have also seized airport camera recordings and all radio communications between the pilots and air traffic control for analysis.

Scrutiny of pilot condition and aircraft maintenance

A key part of the inquiry involves examining the human element. Forensic experts at the Ankara Forensic Medicine Institute are conducting autopsies and toxicology tests on the victims. Investigators are scrutinizing the pilots' condition prior to the flight, including their sleep patterns, meals, and potential use of medication or alcohol. Simultaneously, technical experts are reviewing the aircraft's maintenance history, the quality of installed spare parts, and the qualifications of the maintenance personnel.

Examination of fuel, weather, and potential design flaws

The investigation is also ruling out other potential causes. Samples have been taken from the aircraft's wreckage and the fuel tanker to test for contamination or the use of incorrect fuel. Authorities have requested local weather reports from the time of the crash. Prosecutors indicated that if evidence points to a structural failure or design flaw, the scope of the investigation would expand to include the manufacturers in the chain of responsibility.