No fatalities

Engine failure during takeoff leads to aircraft rollover (4X-AEH)

Lod (לוֹד), IsraelTakeoff (climb)

On July 2, 1954, a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide (registration 4X-AEH) operated by Arkia Israeli Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Lod (לוֹד), Israel during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine failed during the takeoff roll, causing the aircraft to lose control and overturn. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered 4X-AEH
Aircraft registered 4X-AEH. Photo: Heinz Simon / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

An engine failure occurred during the takeoff phase of a flight, resulting in an overturned aircraft and injuries to all occupants.

What happened

During the initial climb following liftoff, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of power due to an engine malfunction. This mechanical failure caused the aircraft to lose stability, leading it to overturn during the accident sequence. The impact resulted in the plane crashing in an inverted position.

All six occupants on board sustained injuries during the event. While there were no fatalities reported, the structural damage to the airframe was so extensive that the aircraft was declared a total loss and deemed beyond repair.

Findings

Investigations into the accident concluded that the primary factor leading to the crash was an engine failure occurring at the moment of takeoff.

Probable cause

The engine failed during the takeoff roll, causing the aircraft to lose control and overturn.