Four-engine power loss during Bucharest to Tel Aviv charter flight

No fatalities • Paphos, Cyprus • Flight

A charter flight traveling from Bucharest to Tel Aviv experienced a total loss of power across all four engines, resulting in an emergency landing in a field near the Cyprus coast.

What happened

A charter flight operating from Bucharest toward Tel Aviv, with a scheduled stop in Nicosia, encountered severe engine issues while flying over the Mediterranean. While cruising at 7,000 meters approximately 70 km from the coast of Cyprus, the aircraft experienced a significant drop in power across engines one, two, and three.

Shortly after this initial failure, as the plane reached an altitude of 3,100 meters roughly 45 km offshore, the fourth engine also lost power. In response to the critical loss of propulsion, the crew attempted to divert the flight to Paphos Airport. However, due to the lack of engine power, the aircraft was unable to reach the runway and instead performed a wheels-up landing in a field.

Despite the impact, all 87 occupants successfully evacuated the aircraft without injury. The four-engine aircraft sustained damage so extensive that it was declared a total loss.

Findings

The investigation determined that the primary factor in the emergency was the simultaneous loss of power across all four engines during the flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a complete loss of power in all four engines while en route to Cyprus.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1962-02-24 Ilyushin II-18 accident near Paphos, Cyprus?

A charter flight traveling from Bucharest to Tel Aviv experienced a total loss of power across all four engines, resulting in an emergency landing in a field near the Cyprus coast.

Were there any fatalities in the 1962-02-24 Ilyushin II-18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1962-02-24 involved a Ilyushin II-18, registration YR-IMB, operated by TAROM - Transporturile Aeriene Române, at Paphos, Cyprus.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a complete loss of power in all four engines while en route to Cyprus.

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