A Turkish Air Force C-130 Hercules cargo plane crashed on Tuesday in Georgia near the border with Azerbaijan, killing all 20 people on board. The aircraft caught fire mid-air and broke apart shortly after takeoff from Ganja Airport in Azerbaijan while heading back to Turkey.
What Happened in the Crash
The plane took off from Ganja around midday local time. Witnesses reported seeing it spiral out of control with smoke trailing behind.
Flight tracking data showed the C-130 entered Georgian airspace and then lost radar contact. No distress signal came from the pilots.
Video footage shared online captured the dramatic moment. Parts of the wings detached and fell separately as the main body plummeted to the ground.
The crash site is in the Sighnaghi municipality, a rugged area close to the border. Debris scattered over a wide zone, making recovery efforts tough.
Casualties and Immediate Response
All 20 crew members and passengers died in the incident, according to statements from Turkish officials. They were military personnel returning from a mission in Azerbaijan.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed deep sorrow and called the victims martyrs. He promised full support for their families.
Search and rescue teams from Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan rushed to the scene. They used helicopters and ground vehicles to navigate the terrain.
- Key response actions included securing the crash site to prevent unauthorized access.
- Medical teams prepared for any survivors, though none were found.
- Investigators collected debris for analysis right away.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev sent condolences and offered help with the probe.
Georgian authorities confirmed they opened an investigation and worked closely with their neighbors.
Possible Causes and Investigation
Early reports point to a mechanical fault as the main cause. The plane may have suffered a sudden failure at around 24,000 feet.
Experts noted the C-130’s age, as this model was an older E variant in service for decades. Regular maintenance is key for these aircraft.
No signs of foul play emerged so far. Erdogan referred to it as an accident in his public remarks.
An international team will examine black box data if recovered. Weather conditions were clear, ruling out storms as a factor.
Past C-130 crashes often involved engine issues or structural problems. For example, a similar incident in 2018 in the US claimed nine lives due to maintenance errors.
| Timeline of Events | Details |
|---|---|
| Takeoff from Ganja | Plane departs Azerbaijan around midday on November 11, 2025. |
| Entry into Georgian Airspace | Radar contact lost shortly after crossing the border. |
| Crash Reported | Witnesses see smoke and spiraling debris; impact confirmed. |
| Response Launch | Search teams from three countries arrive within hours. |
| Official Statements | Erdogan and Aliyev address the tragedy by evening. |
Background on the C-130 Hercules
The C-130 is a reliable workhorse for militaries worldwide. Turkey uses it for cargo transport, troop movement, and disaster relief.
This plane was on a routine flight after operations in Azerbaijan. Ties between Turkey and Azerbaijan are strong, with joint military exercises common.
The model has a solid safety record but not without risks. Over 2,500 have been built since the 1950s, serving in over 60 countries.
Recent upgrades focus on engines and avionics to prevent failures. Turkey’s air force operates dozens of these planes.
International Reactions and Broader Impact
Leaders from around the world offered sympathy. The incident highlights risks in military aviation, especially in tense regions.
NATO allies expressed solidarity with Turkey. The crash could prompt reviews of flight safety protocols in the area.
Aviation experts called for better cross-border coordination. This event echoes other recent crashes, like a cargo plane incident in Sudan last year that killed 15.
Families of the victims gathered in Ankara for updates. Support services are in place to help them cope.
The crash may affect ongoing military cooperation between Turkey and Azerbaijan. Both nations have ramped up joint drills amid regional tensions.
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