Türkiye continues probe into deadly C-130 crash near Azerbaijan border

Türkiye is continuing its investigation into the crash of a C-130 military transport aircraft that went down in November in Georgia near the border with Azerbaijan, Turkish Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler said.

Güler said analysis of the aircraft’s flight data recorder is continuing at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ). He stressed that C-130 aircraft are regarded as among the safest military transport planes in the world and are operated by around 70 countries.

The minister noted that in the aftermath of the crash, Türkiye sent all C-130 aircraft in service with the national air force for comprehensive inspections.

“After the completion of these inspections, the operation of these aircraft will continue,” he said.

“The ‘black box’ of the crashed aircraft is still being examined at TUSAŞ. The accident investigation commission continues its work, and the investigation has not yet been completed. Whatever the outcome may be, we will present it to the public with full transparency,” Güler added.

The C-130 aircraft, which was en route from Azerbaijan, was carrying 20 Turkish military personnel, including the flight crew. There were no survivors.

The plane, with tail number 68-1609, had departed from Ganja with an F-16 maintenance team on board and lost contact shortly after entering Georgian airspace.

According to official statements, no distress signal was transmitted, indicating a sudden failure during flight. Georgian authorities reported that the wreckage was spread over a wide area in the Sighnaghi municipality, leading investigators to conclude that the aircraft broke apart mid-air.

The aircraft reportedly crashed in three separate sections, after which Turkish and Georgian rescue teams secured the crash site.

The cause of the crash remains undetermined. Investigators are examining possible technical malfunctions, weather conditions, and other potential contributing factors as the inquiry continues.

By Tamilla Hasanova