A private Falcon 50 business jet disappeared from radar shortly after taking off from Ankara Esenboğa Airport on Tuesday. Following the incident, Ankara airspace was temporarily closed to flights and search and rescue operations were launched in the area.
According to information obtained, the aircraft, which had taken off bound for Tripoli, reported a technical malfunction shortly after departure and requested to return to Esenboğa Airport. However, during the return process, all communication with the aircraft was lost. It was reported that the jet made an emergency landing notification near Ankara’s Haymana district, after which contact was completely lost.
Official Statement from Interior Minister Yerlikaya
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya made the following statements in his official announcement regarding the incident:
“At 20:10 this evening, a Falcon 50 type business jet with tail number 9H-DFJ departed Ankara Esenboğa Airport bound for Tripoli. As of 20:52, contact with the aircraft was lost.
An emergency landing notification was received from the aircraft near Haymana; however, subsequent contact could not be re-established.
There are five passengers on board the aircraft, including Libya’s Chief of General Staff, General Mohamed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad.
The public will be informed of developments.”
Libya’s Chief of General Staff on Board
With the official statement, it was confirmed that Libya’s Chief of General Staff, General Mohamed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, was on board the aircraft. It was reported that Al-Haddad had arrived in Ankara hours before the incident at the invitation of Turkish Chief of General Staff General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, and that he met with Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler as part of the visit. It was also stated that Land Forces Commander General Metin Tokel attended the meeting.
Technical Malfunction Reported, Contact Lost
According to information provided by officials, the chain of events began when the aircraft reported a technical issue to air traffic control shortly after take-off. The flight crew initiated standard emergency procedures and began the return process; however, before the approach could be completed, both radio and radar contact were lost.
Ankara Airspace Closed, Search and Rescue Ongoing
Following the incident, Ankara airspace was temporarily closed. Search and rescue teams, security units and relevant authorities were placed on high alert and continue efforts to determine the location of the aircraft. The investigation into the aircraft’s status and the fate of the passengers is ongoing.
About the Falcon 50
Manufactured by Dassault Aviation, the Falcon 50 is a French-built, tri-engine business jet with a capacity of up to nine passengers. In service since 1976, the aircraft is generally used for government missions and VIP transport.
Authorities stated that new information regarding developments will be shared with the public.
