Turkish C-130 Crash Kills 20
Authorities have launched a search-and-recovery operation following the crash of a Turkish Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft that resulted in the deaths of all 20 people onboard.
The incident occurred on November 11 near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border. The Turkish, Georgian, and Azerbaijani authorities coordinated the response efforts after the aircraft apparently disintegrated midair during its flight from Ganja International Airport in Azerbaijan back to Turkey.
Details of the Crash
Footage shared online shows wreckage, including parts of the wing and fuselage, falling from the sky. The aircraft, a 57-year-old Hercules with serial number 68 1609, was originally built in 1968 for the Royal Saudi Air Force and entered Turkish service in March 2010, according to the C-130 reference site C-130.net.
Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 confirmed the flight was monitored from takeoff, with the final signal received at 10:49 a.m. UTC when the aircraft was cruising at 24,000 feet.
Official Statements and Fleet Information
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that recovery operations were ongoing with the involvement of relevant authorities.
“Efforts to recover the wreckage are in progress with the relevant authorities.” — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
The Aviation Week Network’s Fleet Discovery Database notes the Turkish Air Force currently operates 11 C-130E models and six older C-130Bs. They plan to replace much of this fleet with second-hand C-130Js acquired from the UK.
Journalist Tony, based in London, specializes in covering European defense programs.
Summary
The midair breakup of a Turkish C-130E near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border resulted in 20 casualties; recovery and investigation efforts continue with multinational cooperation.
Author's note: A tragic accident highlights the risks involved in operating aging aircraft despite ongoing fleet modernization efforts.