Libyan Officials Investigate Latitude Runway Overrun

Local officials have confirmed few details following the overrun of a Cessna Citation Latitude last Monday at Misrata International Airport (HLMS) in Libya. The country’s transport minister, Mohammed Al-Shahoubi, has set up a committee to investigate the accident that occurred at the end of an empty-leg flight from Istanbul Atatürk Airport (LTBA).

Three crewmembers survived the crash and resulting fire. The Latitude appears to have veered off Runway 15 around 4,600 feet from the threshold before crossing the runway shoulder again and before a post-crash fire. According to multiple media reports, police detained both pilots as part of the investigation; no evidence released so far backs up rumors that Libyan prosecutors may be investigating the pilots for alleged intoxication. The cockpit voice and flight data recorders were recovered from the wreckage.

The Latitude, registered as TC-AKF, is logged as being operated by Turkey-based aircraft management and charter group BknJet (also known as Bikinijet). The company, which did not respond to a request from AIN for further information, operates several other jets, including a pair of Bombardier Global Expresses and an Embraer Legacy 650.

As the manufacturer of the Latitude, Textron Aviation confirmed that it is acting as a technical advisor to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board in its engagement with the investigation being led by the Libyan Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau.