Turkish Military Cargo Plane Crashes in Georgia, 20 Feared Dead

Turkish C-130 Hercules Crashes Near Azerbaijan Border

A Turkish Air Force Lockheed C-130EM Hercules military transport aircraft crashed in Georgia on November 11, 2025, near the border with Azerbaijan, with all 20 people on board feared dead. The aircraft, registration 68-1609, was 57 years old and had taken off from Ganja International Airport in Azerbaijan, en route to Erkilet International Airport in Kayseri, Turkey, when it went down in the Sighnaghi municipality of Georgia's Kakheti region.

Dramatic Footage Shows Mid-Air Breakup

Video footage circulating online shows the aircraft spiraling downward while leaking fuel and emitting black smoke before impact. Witnesses reported seeing parts of the aircraft, including the wing assembly and front fuselage section, separating at high altitude. The crash occurred at approximately 10:49 UTC while the aircraft was cruising at 24,000 feet. 'The plane just started spinning and breaking apart in the air,' said local resident Giorgi Kapanadze, who witnessed the crash. 'It was terrifying to watch.'

International Search and Rescue Operation

Turkey has launched a joint search and rescue operation with Georgian and Azerbaijani authorities. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed being 'deeply saddened' by the incident and offered condolences for what he called 'our martyrs' aboard the aircraft. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev conveyed shock at the loss of Turkish soldiers and pledged full cooperation in the investigation.

Aging Aircraft and Safety Concerns

The crashed C-130E Hercules was originally delivered to the Royal Saudi Air Force in 1968 before being transferred to Turkey in 2010. The C-130 Hercules, first introduced in 1956, remains one of the world's most widely used military transport aircraft, known for its ability to operate from unprepared runways. However, the advanced age of this particular aircraft raises questions about maintenance and safety protocols. Turkish authorities have launched an investigation under 'Violation of flight safety regulations or rules for the operation of an air vehicle resulting in human casualties.'

Regional Implications

The crash occurs amid close military cooperation between Turkey and Azerbaijan, particularly following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Turkey maintains significant military presence and influence in the Caucasus region, and this incident may prompt reviews of military aviation safety standards across the region. The C-130 is extensively used by Turkey's armed forces for personnel transport, logistical operations, and humanitarian missions throughout the Middle East and Central Asia.

For more information about the C-130 Hercules aircraft, visit Wikipedia. Additional details about the crash investigation can be found at The Aviationist.