NOC orders probe after oil aviation plane lands at out-of-service airstrip

The National Oil Corporation (NOC) has launched an investigation after an aircraft operated by Oil Aviation mistakenly landed at an out-of-service airstrip at the Sarir oil field.

NOC chairman Masoud Suleiman ordered the formation of a committee to examine the incident, which took place on Tuesday, and to determine its causes and circumstances.

The committee has been tasked with identifying both the direct and underlying causes of the landing. It has also been granted authority to review relevant documents and consult any parties it deems necessary. A final report with recommendations is expected within two weeks.

Initial information suggests the aircraft landed at Sarir instead of its intended destination, the Messla oil field, in southern Libya. It later took off and completed its journey without any reported injuries among passengers or crew.

Preliminary findings point to confusion in communication between the pilot and ground control, as well as a temporary loss of contact. Sarir airstrip, which is about 40km from Messla, was out of service at the time due to maintenance.

The incident has raised concerns about safety procedures and the operational readiness of airstrips serving oil fields. Officials say conclusions on responsibility will depend on the outcome of the investigation.

Unverified reports have also referred to possible previous technical issues involving the aircraft, registered as 5A-PAA, including navigation systems. These claims have not been confirmed.