Georgia’s air navigation agency, Sakaeronavigatsia, confirmed that a Turkish C-130 military aircraft crashed near the Georgia–Azerbaijan border on November 11
Georgia’s air navigation agency, Sakaeronavigatsia, confirmed that a Turkish C-130 military aircraft crashed near the Georgia–Azerbaijan border on November 11. According to the agency, the plane disappeared from radar a few minutes after entering Georgian airspace, without transmitting a distress signal.
Publika.The Aviation Search and Rescue Coordination Centre said the aircraft experienced an incident on Georgian territory, close to the Azerbaijani border. A search and rescue team was dispatched to the presumed crash site in coordination with Georgian authorities. The Ganja airport in Azerbaijan—where the plane had departed—along with Turkish officials, have been notified.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that, based on preliminary information, the plane was flying from Azerbaijan to Turkey. Media outlet APA’s Turkey bureau reported that, according to the Turkish Ministry of Defence, 20 military personnel were on board the aircraft. An investigation has been launched under Article 275, Part 4 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which concerns violations of air transport safety regulations resulting in loss of life.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed sorrow over the crash, saying recovery efforts are ongoing and asking for mercy for the deceased servicemen. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev offered condolences to Erdoğan and the families of the victims, extending sympathy on behalf of the Azerbaijani people.