Checklist Challenge: Flight Crew’s Successful Mistake Really Wasn’t

Cockpit circumstances during a 2016 El Al episode could have resulted in a different outcome.

Les Abend

Friday, August 22, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Key Takeaways:

El Al Flight 30 experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff, complicated by a non-standard crew seat swap that put an "extra captain" in command during the emergency.
The captain in command repeatedly deviated from standard checklist procedures, misdiagnosing the severe engine damage as a compressor stall and attempting unadvised engine restarts.
Despite significant procedural missteps and questionable crew resource management (CRM), the flight successfully returned to the airport.
The incident underscores the critical need for strict adherence to checklist protocols and effective crew resource management during emergencies.

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Barely 10 minutes into the departure from Toronto Pearson International Airport (CYYZ) on December 20, 2016, El Al Flight 30 experienced an engine failure during its initial climbout at approximately 13,000 feet. The B-767-300 was en route to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (LLBG) with 224 passengers and crew on board—a scheduled 10-hour flight.

Although the flight crew event had a successful conclusion, circumstances in the cockpit could have resulted in a different outcome. Why?