Libyan prosecutors announced on September 16 that the captain and first officer of the Cessna Citation Latitude TC-AKF involved in a runway excursion at Misrata have been placed in pretrial detention. Prosecutors say preliminary evidence indicates the pilots may have operated the aircraft while intoxicated. The investigation remains ongoing and this is not yet a final accident finding.
The business jet overran the runway while landing at Misrata International Airport on September 14, 2026 and caught fire. All three crew members escaped without reported injury, while airport traffic was temporarily suspended.
Prosecutors cite preliminary evidence
According to the Libyan prosecutor’s office, investigators examined the wreckage, air traffic control data, weather reports and conditions during the approach and landing. Technical personnel involved in the arrival were also interviewed.
After questioning the crew, prosecutors said they confronted the captain and first officer with evidence indicating intoxication and alleged neglect of aviation and public-safety rules. Both were detained pending further investigation. These are prosecutorial allegations, not a final technical determination of the crash cause.
A flight from Istanbul
The aircraft, a Turkish-registered Cessna 680A Citation Latitude, had departed Istanbul Atatürk. Akfen Holding confirmed that it owned the jet and that BKNJET Aviation operated it. Two pilots and one cabin crew member were aboard; there were no passengers.
The investigation continues
Libyan authorities say the investigation is continuing under national rules and applicable aviation-investigation standards. A final assessment will require technical findings establishing the accident sequence and contributing factors.
Sources
Libyan Prosecutor General; DPA; Libyan media; Akfen Holding/BKNJET; Libyan Ministry of Transport.
Why a runway accident can become a legal case
When an aircraft leaves the runway or is involved in a serious airport incident, authorities may examine not only technical causes but also crew actions, documentation and compliance with local procedures. Detention does not establish responsibility; it is part of the legal process while facts are reviewed.
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