No fatalities

Single-Engine Aircraft Ditching Offshore Following Takeoff from Tel Aviv-Sde Dov (010)

Tel Aviv-Sde Dov, IsraelTakeoff (climb)

On September 12, 1982, a Dornier DO.28A/B (registration 010) operated by Israeli Air Force - Heyl Ha'avir was involved in an aviation accident near Tel Aviv-Sde Dov, Israel during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left engine after takeoff for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft ditched offshore after a left engine failure following takeoff from Tel Aviv-Sde Dov Airport. The sole pilot was rescued, but the airframe was lost.

Incident Overview

An aviation incident occurred involving an aircraft that departed from Tel Aviv-Sde Dov Airport. Shortly after initiating its climb-out phase, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure in its left engine. This loss of power prompted the pilot to initiate a return procedure to the departure airfield.

Emergency Response and Outcome

Despite the pilot's efforts to manage the situation and return to land, the aircraft was unable to reach a suitable landing site. Consequently, the pilot was forced to execute an emergency ditching in offshore waters. The pilot, who was the sole occupant on board at the time of the accident, was successfully rescued from the water. However, the aircraft itself was not recovered and is classified as lost.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation into the event identified the immediate cause of the accident as the failure of the left engine following takeoff. The specific technical reasons behind this engine failure were determined to be unknown based on the available evidence.

Probable cause

Failure of the left engine after takeoff for unknown reasons.