On February 5, 1950, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration 4X-ACD) operated by El Al Israel Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Lod (לוֹד), Israel during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost directional stability during the takeoff roll, leading to a runway excursion and subsequent fire. 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.
Aircraft registered 4X-ACD. Photo: Sam Diamond / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
An aircraft veered off the runway and caught fire during its takeoff roll, resulting in the destruction of the plane but no fatalities.
What happened
While performing a takeoff roll, the aircraft experienced a loss of directional control. During this maneuver, the vehicle skidded and drifted away from the prepared surface, eventually exiting the runway. Upon leaving the pavement, the aircraft came to a stop and was subsequently consumed by fire.
Despite the intensity of the post-crash fire, all 50 occupants on board were successfully evacuated from the wreckage. The emergency response allowed for a rapid rescue, though the incident resulted in a few minor injuries among the passengers and crew. The aircraft itself was completely destroyed during the event.
Findings
The aircraft drifted off the runway during the initial phase of takeoff.
A loss of control led to a skid that pushed the plane into the surrounding area.
Probable cause
The aircraft lost directional stability during the takeoff roll, leading to a runway excursion and subsequent fire.
