Possible Greek Crew Member Among Dead in Ankara Jet Crash

New details are emerging about the jet crash near Ankara that claimed the life of Libya’s Chief of the General Staff, Mohammed al-Haddad, with reports indicating that a flight attendant who was likely Greek was also among the victims.

According to initial assessments by Turkish authorities, the Dassault Falcon 50 aircraft suffered a failure in its electrical systems shortly after taking off from Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport, bound for Tripoli. The pilot reportedly alerted air traffic control to the malfunction and requested permission for an emergency landing.

Despite an immediate response and the aircraft turning back toward Ankara, the jet disappeared from radar during its descent and crashed into a rural area in the Haymana district. All eight people on board were killed, including three crew members. Among the crew, Maria Pappa is reported to have been a flight attendant of Greek nationality, though official confirmation is still pending. Turkish authorities have ruled out sabotage as an initial cause.

Libya’s Government of National Unity confirmed that al-Haddad and four members of his entourage were among the dead, announcing three days of national mourning. Libyan officials stated that the aircraft was leased and registered in Malta. A full investigation into its technical history and the causes of the crash is under way, involving Turkish and international authorities.

Al-Haddad’s death is considered a major blow to the Tripoli-based government. He was a key figure in maintaining military and political stability in western Libya and played a central role in United Nations-backed peace efforts. Tributes were reported even from eastern Libya, highlighting his broad acceptance across the country. Born in Misrata 58 years ago, al-Haddad graduated from the military academy in 1987 and served under the Gaddafi regime before joining the opposition during the 2011 uprising. He was appointed head of the armed forces in August 2020 and had been in Ankara in the context of ongoing efforts to strengthen military cooperation between Libya and Turkey.