A brand-new private jet burst into flames while landing at an airport in Libya, and the two pilots are now facing allegations that they were flying under the influence of alcohol.
The Cessna Citation Latitude, which was built in 2026, was landing at Misrata International Airport on September 14 when it reportedly veered off the runway and crashed. The aircraft caught fire, sending smoke and flames across the runway.
There were three people on board: two pilots and a female flight attendant. All three survived, and no injuries were reported. The jet had flown from Istanbul's Atatürk Airport and was reportedly heading to Misrata to pick up VIP passengers.
The crash took a more serious turn after investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the landing. Libyan prosecutors allege that both pilots had been drinking alcohol before operating the aircraft. Authorities reportedly found evidence that the pilots had flown while intoxicated and ordered both into pre-trial detention.
The allegations have been disputed by the Turkish company that operates the aircraft. BKNJET Aviation has reportedly challenged the claim that the pilots were flying drunk and said there was no verified evidence of alcohol use.
The pilots' identities have not been publicly disclosed in the reports reviewed. One is reportedly a German national and the other a Turkish national.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash, including what caused the aircraft to leave the runway and whether alcohol played a role in the incident.