Alcohol Detected in Pilots After Libya Runway Excursion; Two Arrested
A Cessna Citation Latitude business jet, registration TC-AKF, which departed Istanbul Atatürk Airport at 5:45 a.m. on September 14, was involved in an accident after veering off the runway while landing at Misrata International Airport in Libya.
Libya’s Public Prosecutor’s Office issued a statement on the initial stage of its investigation into the runway excursion involving the Cessna Citation Latitude (C68A).
According to the statement, investigators examined the aircraft wreckage following the accident. Air traffic control records and meteorological data from the flight and landing were also reviewed, while statements were taken from the air traffic personnel involved in handling the aircraft’s approach and landing.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office said the flight crew was questioned 24 hours after the accident and that the investigation determined that both the captain and first officer were under the influence of alcohol.
Prosecutors said this constituted a violation of aviation and public safety regulations and posed a risk to the safety of the flight crew, aircraft, airport and airport users.
Based on the findings, the captain and first officer were ordered to be detained as a precautionary measure while the investigation continues under national and international regulations.
