The tragic events of El Al flight 1862 that occurred on October 4, 1992, have resurfaced in the memories of many as the haunting final words of the pilot have been revealed. The flight, which originated from New York JFK Airport and was bound for Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport, crashed just seven minutes after taking off from Amsterdam, resulting in the deaths of all four people on board and at least 39 people on the ground.
The first officer, Arnon Ohad, radioed air traffic control with the chilling words, “Going down, 1862, going down, going down, copied, going down,” as the disaster unfolded. The Boeing 747 freighter encountered engine issues, causing one engine to separate from the wing and damage other components, leading to a series of catastrophic events.
Despite the crew’s efforts to return to Schiphol Airport for an emergency landing, the plane ultimately lost control and crashed into an apartment block, causing a devastating fireball and partial building collapse. The tragedy claimed the lives of many residents, with the death toll estimated to be over 200 due to the high number of immigrants living in the area.
Investigations later revealed issues with engine pylon design and maintenance, making a safe landing nearly impossible. The aftermath of the crash left many residents with health problems, prompting criticism of the government’s handling of the situation.
As the reenactment video of the tragic event circulates online, viewers are reminded of the bravery and professionalism displayed by the flight crew in the face of certain disaster. The memories of those lost in the El Al flight 1862 tragedy continue to be honored as the story resurfaces, serving as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of aviation safety.