Turkish copilot detained in Libya over alleged drunk flight that ended in crash

Turkish copilot detained in Libya over alleged drunk flight that ended in crash
September 16, 2026

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Turkish copilot detained in Libya over alleged drunk flight that ended in crash

Libyan prosecutors have ordered the detention of two pilots accused of flying a Turkey-based private jet while drunk before the aircraft veered off a runway and caught fire at Misrata airport.

The crash occurred Monday during landing and caused no casualties, Libya’s public prosecution said Wednesday.

The prosecution did not identify the pilots. The captain is a German national and the copilot is Turkish, private Libyan broadcaster Al Ahrar reported.

A Turkish flight attendant was the only other person on board, according to the broadcaster.

The private jet was operated by a Turkey-based company, Al Ahrar reported. The company was not identified.

Prosecutors said investigators had found evidence that the pilots flew the aircraft while drunk and ordered their detention pending the investigation.

The pilots “posed a real threat” to the airport, people using it and the airspace through which the aircraft had flown before the crash, the prosecution said.

Photos circulated online showed much of the aircraft destroyed by fire after it left the runway.

Prosecutors said the investigation into the crash was continuing.

©Agence France-Presse

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