How did Flight 1862 crash?

Flight 1862 crashed when one of its engines detached in mid-air, striking another engine and leading to a catastrophic loss of control.

The Catastrophic Chain of Events

On October 4, 1992, El Al Flight 1862, a Boeing 747 cargo aircraft, experienced a critical failure shortly after taking off from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. During its ascent, engine number 3 on the right wing proceeded to detach from the aircraft. Tragically, as it separated, it struck and knocked off engine number 4, also located on the right wing.

This dual engine loss on one side of the aircraft severely compromised its structural integrity and aerodynamic control. The pilots immediately faced an insurmountable challenge as the aircraft became completely uncontrollable. Despite their efforts, the plane rapidly lost altitude and an uncontrolled descent ensued.

The Crash and Its Aftermath

The crippled aircraft ultimately crashed into a residential area of Amsterdam known as Bijlmermeer. The impact caused immense devastation, leading to significant loss of life on the ground in addition to the crew members on board. Due to its location and the profound impact on the local community, the accident is widely known as the Bijlmer Disaster.

This tragic event highlighted the critical importance of regular and thorough maintenance checks, as well as the design considerations for engine attachments on large aircraft. Investigations into the crash identified metal fatigue in the pylon (the structure connecting the engine to the wing) as a primary contributing factor to the initial engine detachment.

Here's a summary of key details regarding the crash:

For more detailed information on the incident, you can refer to the El Al Flight 1862 Wikipedia page.