What happened
An aircraft departed from Herzliya and proceeded toward Eilat Airport under favorable meteorological conditions. As the flight crew began the approach, the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 10 feet when a go-around was initiated. This maneuver was prompted by a communication error, as the pilot misinterpreted an air traffic control instruction intended for a different aircraft.
During the attempt to manage fuel levels, the pilot accidentally shut the fuel valve connected to the right engine while attempting to switch tanks. This action resulted in the immediate failure of the right engine. The resulting asymmetric thrust caused the aircraft to veer sharply to the right, leading to a loss of control. The plane subsequently struck a drainage ditch and came to rest in an inverted position.
Findings
- The accident resulted in one fatality (the pilot) and two serious injuries among the passengers.
- The primary factor in the engine failure was the accidental closure of the right engine's fuel valve during a fuel tank transition.