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Libyan prosecutors have ordered the pretrial detention of two pilots after investigators found evidence that they operated a Turkish-owned private jet while intoxicated before it ran off the runway and caught fire at Misrata International Airport, Turkish news outlet Patronlar Dunyasi reported Wednesday.
The Libyan Prosecutor General’s Office announced the initial findings of its investigation into the Sept. 14 accident involving the TC-AKF-registered Cessna Citation Latitude, according to the report.
Investigators examined the aircraft wreckage, reviewed air traffic control data and weather conditions during the flight and landing, and took statements from technical personnel involved in the landing operation, the prosecutor’s office said.
The flight crew was questioned 24 hours after the accident about the circumstances that caused the aircraft to leave the runway.
Prosecutors said the captain and co-pilot were confronted with evidence indicating that they had operated the aircraft while intoxicated.
Investigators also found evidence that the pilots had neglected aviation and general safety rules, creating risks to the aircraft, airport, people using the facility and the airspace along the flight route.
Based on the preliminary findings, authorities ordered the captain and co-pilot held in pretrial detention while the investigation continues.
The private jet had departed Istanbul Ataturk Airport for Misrata on Sept. 14 without passengers and was traveling to Libya to pick up passengers.
It ran off the runway after landing and caught fire.
Two pilots and a cabin crew member were safely evacuated and reported to be in good condition.
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Flights at Misrata International Airport were temporarily suspended following the accident.
Akfen Holding previously confirmed that the aircraft belongs to the Türkiye-based conglomerate and is operated by BKNJET Aviation Co.
The company said after the accident that authorities were investigating the cause.
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