What happened
The crew was operating a flight from Žatec, Czech Republic, to the Ekron-Tel Nof airbase. The aircraft was carrying a load of bombs and a Czech fighter aircraft during this mission. While descending toward Ekron, the crew encountered poor weather conditions, prompting the captain to divert to Tel Aviv-Sde Dov Airport.
During the final approach phase at the diversion airport, the aircraft came under fire from ground personnel. In response to this threat, the captain increased engine power and initiated a go-around maneuver to depart the area. Minutes later, while cruising at low altitude in reduced visibility, the aircraft collided with the slope of a mountain located south of Latrun.
Following the impact, both pilots were successfully rescued. The navigator was killed in the accident. Subsequent investigations by authorities confirmed that soldiers stationed at Tel Aviv Airport had opened fire on the aircraft because they had not been informed that an external flight would be landing.