What happened
On the evening of the accident, El Al 1862, a Boeing 747, was operating a flight from New York's JFK International Airport to Tel Aviv via Amsterdam Schiphol. Following a scheduled stop for cargo processing and a crew change, the aircraft prepared for departure from runway 01L. At takeoff, the aircraft had a gross weight of 338.3 metric tons, carrying 72 metric tons of fuel and 114.7 metric and 6.5 metric tons of cargo, including some low-grade dangerous goods.
During the initial climb, while passing through approximately 6,500 feet, the number 3 and 4 engines along with their pylons detached from the right wing. The crew immediately declared a mayday and began an emergency descent. While attempting to return to Schiphol, the crew reported a fire on the third engine and a loss of thrust on both engines 3 and 4. Witnesses observed smoke, falling debris, and fire trailing the aircraft.
As the aircraft maneuvered for landing, the crew reported difficulties with the flaps and issues with flight control. While attempting to intercept the final approach course for runway 27, the aircraft's descent continued. The crew transmitted that they were "going down" amidst the sounds of the stick shaker and ground proximity warning system. The aircraft struck an eleven-story apartment building in the Bijlmermeer district of Amsterdam. The impact and subsequent fire resulted in 47 fatalities (including the 4 people on board) and 26 injuries to individuals on the ground.
Findings
- The separation of the number 3 and 4 engines and their pylons from the right wing during the climb phase was the primary cause of the loss of control.