Libya Detains Private Jet Pilots Accused of Flying Intoxicated Before Misrata Crash

Libyan prosecutors have ordered the pretrial detention of two pilots accused of operating a private jet while intoxicated before it crashed at Misrata International Airport on Monday.

The aircraft, a Cessna Citation Latitude operated by Turkey-based BKNJET Aviation, veered off the runway and caught fire during landing. The flight had departed Istanbul and was reportedly travelling to Misrata to collect passengers. All three crew members, the pilot, co-pilot, and a flight attendant survived. No passengers were on board.

Libya's Public Prosecution said investigators reviewed wreckage, air traffic control data, and weather reports before questioning the crew. The prosecution stated the pilots were confronted with evidence that they flew while intoxicated and disregarded aviation and public safety regulations. The captain is reportedly a German national and the co-pilot Turkish, though the prosecution did not officially release their names.

BKNJET Aviation has strongly denied the allegations, stating it has not received any verified results or documents proving alcohol consumption by its pilots. The company said its crew underwent medical checks after the incident, but Libyan authorities allegedly rejected the results because testing was not conducted at a state facility.

BKNJET also disputed claims that the pilots were detained, stating they remain in Libya to cooperate with proceedings and are staying at a hotel under security supervision.

Company sources indicated the allegations were based partly on opened, half-empty liquor bottles found on the aircraft, items BKNJET says are routinely stocked for passenger service on private jets. The company maintains no evidence shows the crew consumed the alcohol.

The crash prompted authorities to temporarily suspend air traffic at Misrata International Airport. The aircraft sustained severe fire damage. The investigation is continuing, and BKNJET has called for avoiding speculation until official inquiries conclude.