Tripoli: The Public Prosecution has detained the pilot and co-pilot of the private jet that crashed at Misrata Airport for operating the aircraft while intoxicated. The Public Prosecution announced the completion of initial investigative procedures regarding the crash of a C68A (Cessna Citation Latitude) aircraft after it veered off the runway at Misrata International Airport. It ordered the pre-trial detention of the pilot and co-pilot after confronting them with evidence indicating they were operating the aircraft while intoxicated.
According to Libyan News Agency, the Public Prosecutor's Office stated that the investigator inspected the wreckage and recorded air traffic control data, in-flight weather reports, and atmospheric conditions at the time of landing. Testimony was also taken from technical staff responsible for managing the landing phase.
The Office added that, twenty-four hours after the incident, the investigator questioned the flight crew regarding the circumstances of the aircraft veering off the runway. The pilot and co-pilot were confronted with evidence that they had been operating the aircraft while intoxicated and had disregarded aviation and general safety regulations.
According to the Public Prosecution, these actions posed an imminent danger to the safety of the crew and the aircraft, as well as a potential risk to the airport, its users, and public safety within the airspace traversed by the aircraft prior to the crash.
Based on the results of the preliminary proceedings, the investigator ordered the pre-trial detention of the pilot and co-pilot, while the Public Prosecution continues the investigation into the incident in accordance with relevant national and international regulations.