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:

An El Al B-767 experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff, successfully returning to the airport despite numerous cockpit management and procedural missteps by the augmented crew.
The incident highlighted significant "checklist procedure challenges," including an unauthorized pilot swap during the sterile period, an initial misinterpretation of the engine's severe damage, and unorthodox attempts to restart the engine.
Although the flight landed safely, the event raised questions about Crew Resource Management (CRM) and potential intimidation, underscoring the critical need for strict adherence to protocols and effective crew communication, even by experienced pilots.

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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?