According to SakAeronavigatsia, search and rescue operations are underway following the aviation incident involving a Turkish military cargo aircraft that crashed on Georgian territory. The agency reported that the plane disappeared from radar just minutes after entering Georgian airspace, without issuing a distress signal.
“In full compliance with international protocol, SakAeronavigatsia’s search team was dispatched to locate the probable incident site and provide subsequent assistance to the affected parties.
The Turkish C-130 aircraft vanished from SakAeronavigatsia’s radar a few minutes after crossing into Georgian territory, without transmitting a distress signal, after which the established search and rescue procedures were initiated. Currently, the airport in Ganja, Azerbaijan, from which the Turkish aircraft departed, has been informed, and the Turkish authorities have also been notified.
Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing in accordance with aviation regulations, in coordination with the relevant Georgian authorities,” the statement reads.
On November 11, in the Signagi municipality, approximately 5 kilometers from the Georgian-Azerbaijani border, the Turkish military cargo plane crashed. Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft was performing a flight from Azerbaijan to Turkey. There are casualties, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has expressed condolences.
Officially, a criminal investigation is underway under Article 275, Part 4 of the Criminal Code, which concerns violations of air transport safety or operational regulations resulting in loss of life. Detailed information regarding the incident will be provided to the public gradually, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.