Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler stated on Monday that it would take at least two months to reach initial conclusions and analyse the black box of a Turkish cargo plane that crashed in Georgia last week, resulting in the deaths of 20 soldiers.

The C-130 cargo aircraft had departed from Azerbaijan for Türkiye when it crashed in Georgia, marking the highest military death toll for NATO member Türkiye since 2020. Ankara has announced an investigation into the cause of the crash.

Speaking to the press after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Güler explained that the black box of the aircraft was being examined by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS). He added that despite the incident, the C-130 planes – which Türkiye has operated since 1957 are generally considered safe.

"Based on preliminary findings, though not conclusive, the tail section appears to have detached first. It then split into three pieces. This will be confirmed through the black box inspection," he said, noting that aside from a 1999 engine fire, in which the aircraft managed to land safely, there had been no other significant issues with the C-130s.

Türkiye's Defence Ministry revealed last week that the aircraft was carrying a 10-person maintenance crew for Turkish F-16s that had previously participated in Azerbaijan’s Victory Day celebrations, as well as the flight crew and maintenance equipment.

The ministry also announced an agreement with the UK last month to procure 12 C-130 aircraft that will require modernisation and maintenance.

It was further disclosed last week that the crashed plane, purchased from Saudi Arabia in 2012, commenced flights in 2022, with its last maintenance completed a month ago. As a result, all scheduled flights for Türkiye's 18 C-130s have been suspended until further inspections are conducted.

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