Turkish C-130 Crash Near Georgia-Azerbaijan Border
A Turkish Air Force C-130 cargo plane crashed near the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan, carrying 20 people. The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft took off from Azerbaijan, as confirmed by the Turkish Ministry of National Defense on November 11, 2025.
Details of the Crash
The ministry stated:
“A C-130 military cargo plane departing from Azerbaijan to Turkey crashed on the Georgia-Azerbaijan border. Search and rescue efforts have been initiated in coordination with Azerbaijani and Georgian authorities.”
Flight and Radar Information
Georgian officials reported that the plane disappeared from radar shortly after entering Georgian airspace and did not send any distress signals.
“The C-130 disappeared from radar a few minutes after entering Georgian airspace, without issuing any distress signal.”
Aircraft Identification and Evidence
The aircraft is identified as a Lockheed C-130E Hercules, Turkish Air Force tail number TUAF543, which departed Ganja Airport in Azerbaijan at 10:19 UTC.
Video footage shared on social media shows the aircraft breaking apart mid-air. The forward fuselage separated from the wingbox, which spun toward the ground and exploded upon impact. The tail section appears to be missing.
Summary
The crash highlights a sudden and tragic loss for the Turkish Air Force, with ongoing search and rescue efforts coordinated among Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.
Author's summary: A Turkish military C-130 cargo plane crashed near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border with 20 on board, disappearing from radar without distress signals; rescue operations are underway.