Pilots of New Private Jet Accused of Flying Drunk in Libya Crash
Libyan authorities claim evidence shows intoxication, while the jet's operator disputes the findings.
Two pilots are facing accusations of flying under the influence of alcohol after a brand new private jet crashed and caught fire upon landing at Misrata International Airport in Libya. The incident occurred on Monday, involving a 2026 model Cessna Citation Latitude operated by a Turkish company.
According to Arab News, citing Libyan state prosecutors, investigators found evidence that the German pilot and Turkish co-pilot had consumed alcohol before operating the aircraft. The pilots have been taken into pretrial detention. Prosecutors stated that their alleged intoxication posed "a real threat" to the airport and air traffic.
Libya's Public Prosecution office released a statement indicating that the pilots had been found with "evidence that (the pilots) had flown the aircraft while drunk." The aircraft, which had departed from Istanbul Atatürk Airport without passengers, was en route to Misrata to pick up VIPs.
The crash resulted in the jet veering off the runway and bursting into flames. Images from the scene show significant damage to the aircraft, with smoke billowing from the wreckage. Emergency services responded to extinguish the fire.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the three individuals on board: the German pilot, the Turkish co-pilot, and a Turkish flight attendant. The crash caused a temporary disruption to operations at Misrata Airport.
However, the jet's operator, BKNJET Aviation Co., based in Turkey, has contested the Libyan government's claims. The company issued a statement asserting, "No verified result or document indicating any such finding regarding alcohol has been received by us."