Turkish C-130 Crash Kills 20
Authorities launched a joint search-and-recovery mission after a Turkish Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft crashed, resulting in the deaths of all 20 people onboard.
Incident Details
The crash occurred on November 11 near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border. The C-130E was flying from Ganja International Airport in Azerbaijan back to Turkey when it apparently broke apart midair and fell. Online footage shows debris, including parts of the wing and fuselage, descending from the sky.
Aircraft Information
- The Hercules, serial number 68-1609, was built in 1968 for the Royal Saudi Air Force.
- It entered service with the Turkish Air Force in March 2010.
- FlightRadar24 tracked the flight, with the last signal at 10:49 a.m. UTC at 24,000 feet altitude.
Official Statements and Fleet Context
“Efforts to recover the wreckage are ongoing with the relevant authorities,” said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The Turkish Air Force currently operates a fleet of 11 C-130E and six older C-130B models and plans to upgrade most of these with second-hand C-130Js from the UK, according to Aviation Week Network’s Fleet Discovery Database.
Author Background
Based in London, Tony covers European defense programs.
Summary: A Turkish Air Force Lockheed C-130E crashed near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border, killing all 20 onboard; recovery efforts and fleet modernization plans are underway.