Incident Overview
On a local training exercise, a twin-engine IAI Arava 201 departed Shell Airport at 1251 local time. The aircraft carried a crew of three and 19 paratroopers, for a total of 22 occupants. Approximately one hour into the flight, the crew informed ground personnel that they were returning to base due to deteriorating weather conditions. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed into a wooded area. All 22 occupants were killed.
Aircraft and Operations
The accident involved an IAI Arava 201, a twin-engine aircraft. The flight was a local training exercise. The aircraft was based at Shell Airport. This accident is the worst involving the IAI Arava 201 type to date.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft departed Shell Airport at 1251 local time. About one hour later, the crew reported a decision to return to base because of worsening weather. Soon after, the aircraft lost control and descended uncontrollably, ultimately crashing in a wooded area. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 22 people on board.