Turkish Citation crash closes Istanbul airport

A 1998-build Cessna Citation VII crashed at Istanbul Ataturk Airport yesterday evening, closing one of the airport’s main runways for several hours.

According to local news outlets, the Citation, registered TC-KON, had departed the airport to Ercan in Northern Cyprus, but developed a fault shortly after departing.

The aircraft declared an emergency and returned to the airport. When it landed it ran off the end of the runway, crossed a concrete ditch and burst into flames.

According to the Aviation Safety Network, there were three crew members and one passenger on board at the time of the accident. No injuries were reported.

Pictures on aircraft photography website JetPhotos.net show the aircraft fuselage in two separate sections, and missing its tail.

The aircraft is operated by Avione Jet, which, according to a fleet listing on online charter operator Victor’s website, also operates a 1996-build Hawker 400A registered TC-NEO.