Israeli authorities reported on Thursday 11 Adar 5773 that another serious incident involving an El Al flight occurred at Ben-Gurion International Airport last month. The incident involved an incoming flight, arriving from Milano.

The plane which came dangerously close to another plane on January 9, 2013. Investigator Yitzchak Raz determined the incident was the result of a chain of errors by the crew. As a result of the errors, then plane at one point lowered its altitude without authorization, but Baruch Hashem it remained in the realm of a ‘near miss’. There appears to have been a lack of proper communication between the pilots, as well as an issue with their division of responsibilities. The stormy weather conditions including strong winds played a role as well.

The chief investigator will review the report and make recommendations regarding actions to be taken.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)