Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Libya Detains Two Pilots After Jet Crashes During Landing
A private airplane went off the runway while landing in Libya.
The airplane caught fire, but everyone on board survived.
The people on the plane included two pilots and a flight attendant.
Libyan prosecutors said both pilots had been drinking alcohol.
They ordered the pilots held while investigators study what happened.
The company that managed the airplane said it had not seen proof of the alcohol allegations.
The airplane was badly damaged, and the runway was briefly closed.
Officials are still investigating the incident.
Libyan authorities detained a captain and copilot after a private jet veered off the runway and caught fire at Misrata International Airport.
Prosecutors said both pilots were intoxicated while operating the aircraft and posed a serious safety risk.
The Cessna Citation Latitude had flown empty from Istanbul to collect VIP passengers in Libya.
A German captain, Turkish copilot, and flight attendant survived without reported injuries.
BKNJET Aviation Co. disputed the allegations, saying it had received no verified alcohol-test results or official documentation.
- Who
- Libyan prosecutors detained the German captain and Turkish copilot; a flight attendant was also aboard.
- What
- A private Cessna Citation Latitude veered off the runway during landing and caught fire, with no reported injuries.
- When
- The incident occurred on September 14.
- Where
- Misrata International Airport in northwestern Libya.
- Why
- Prosecutors said both pilots were intoxicated and presented a serious danger; the cause of the runway accident remains under investigation.
Prosecutors' Allegations
Operator's Response
Alcohol allegations
Prosecutors' Allegations
Libyan prosecutors said they gathered concrete evidence that both pilots were under the influence of alcohol while operating the aircraft.
Operator's Response
BKNJET Aviation Co. said it had received no verified result or document confirming an alcohol-related finding.
Reason for detention
Prosecutors' Allegations
Authorities said intoxication made the pilots a severe hazard to the airport, ground personnel, and surrounding airspace.
Operator's Response
The operator disputed the allegations while the investigation continued, without publicly confirming the prosecutors' account.
- Airport
- Misrata International Airport, Libya
- Aircraft
- Cessna Citation Latitude
- Flight route
- Istanbul, Turkey, to Libya
- Occupants
- A German captain, Turkish copilot, and flight attendant
- Casualties
- No reported injuries
- Detentions
- Both pilots were ordered held in pre-trial detention
- Aircraft operator
- BKNJET Aviation Co.