Turkish C-130 Hercules Crashes in Georgia
On 11 November, a Turkish Air Force C-130 Hercules crashed near the border between Azerbaijan and Georgia after breaking apart mid-air. The plane was flying from Azerbaijan to Turkiye with 20 people on board, all of whom perished in the accident.
Details of the Incident
The aircraft went down close to Sighnaghi municipality in Georgia, near the Azerbaijan border. Video footage captured the plane descending in pieces, with the cockpit and tail section separated from the central wing box, though the wings remained attached to part of the fuselage.
Flight Information
- Call sign: TUAF543
- Departure: Ganja International Airport, Azerbaijan at 10:19 UTC
- Cruising altitude: 24,000 ft
- Last ADS-B signal: 10:49:20 UTC
Aircraft Details
- Model: Lockheed Martin C-130E Hercules
- Registration: 68-01609
- Originally delivered to Saudi Royal Air Force in late 1960s
- Acquired by Turkiye in 2010
- Aircraft age: 56 years
Official Statements
The Defence Ministry of Turkiye stated, "20 people, including the flight crew, were on board the Hercules at the time of the crash." Later reports confirmed that all 20 died in the crash.
Crash Site
The wreckage was located in a mountainous region near Sighnaghi, approximately 40 miles from the Azerbaijan border.
Summary: A Turkish C-130 Hercules, 56 years old, broke apart mid-flight and crashed near Georgia’s border with Azerbaijan, tragically killing all 20 aboard.