Greece mourns flight attendant Maria Pappa killed in Falcon 50 crash near Ankara
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
The Greek aviation community is in mourning following the death of Maria Pappa, the 42-year-old cabin crew member who lost her life when a Falcon 50 aircraft crashed south of Ankara.
Colleagues and friends describe Pappa as kind, highly professional and disciplined—an experienced flight attendant whose sudden and tragic death has shocked all who knew her.
“I had spoken to her very recently,” a friend told Greek media. “I’ve also been in touch with other colleagues—everyone is in shock.”
A respected professional with years of experience
According to her professional profile, Maria Pappa served as a senior cabin crew member and certified instructor, with extensive experience in VVIP flights. Over nearly two decades in aviation, she accumulated thousands of flight hours across multiple airlines, frequently sharing moments from her life in the skies.
Although she held qualifications in hairdressing from SELETE, her true passion was travel. She began her career in airport security, worked tirelessly, and eventually took to the air.
In recent months, Pappa had decided to transition from large commercial aircraft to VIP charter operations. According to her partner, she had been working with the company operating the ill-fated Falcon for less than three months.
“It was her first flight with this company,” he said. “She had been flying for 19 years. She was very experienced.”
Investigation into the crash continues
Authorities in Turkey are conducting an extensive investigation into the causes of the aviation tragedy. Efforts are underway to locate all aircraft debris, while inspections are being carried out on the aircraft’s airworthiness. Toxicology tests on the victims have also begun.
Investigators are reviewing visual footage from cameras at Esenboga Airport, as well as audio recordings of the pilot’s communications with air traffic control.
According to Turkish media reports, the pilot remained calm in the final two minutes between issuing a distress signal and the crash, making sustained efforts to save the aircraft.
“My life never came back”
The final conversation between Maria Pappa and her partner has deeply moved the public.
“We spoke for the last time the night before her final flight,” he told ANT1. “She said, ‘I love you. We’ll talk when I arrive.’ My life ended—and she never came back.”
The couple met in 2006 while working for Olympic Airways and remained together ever since. “She was a flight attendant, I was a ground carer. We had flown together many times,” he said, adding that after Olympic Airways she worked with around 15 different companies. “This was her first flight with this one. Maria wasn’t afraid. In this job, there’s no room for fear—if you’re afraid, you don’t get on the plane.”
Maria’s brother also paid tribute, describing her as compassionate, gentle and generous.
“There are no words to describe what you meant to me. You were the most kind-hearted, selfless and loving person. You were the joy of life. I love you, my Maria. Take care of mum.”
Libyan army chief also among the victims
The crash has also sent shockwaves through Libya and the wider Middle East, with the death of Mohamed al-Haddad, the Chief of the Libyan Armed Forces.
Al-Haddad was travelling from Turkey, where he had been on an official visit, when the aircraft crashed shortly after take-off from Ankara. Born in Misrata in 1967, he graduated from Libya’s Military Academy in 1987 and played a significant role in the 2011 civil war, fighting against the regime of Muammar Gaddafi.
In 2021, he was appointed Chief of Staff of the Libyan Armed Forces, leading efforts to reorganise and unify military units under the Government of National Unity. His tenure focused on restoring military capability and strengthening cooperation with international partners, including Turkey and the United Kingdom.
According to Libyan media, his strategy to integrate militias into a unified military structure was pivotal in improving security and stability in the country.
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
