Light Plane Crashes in Wadi Ara, Killing One and Injuring Another

A light aircraft crashed and caught fire during a training flight in the Wadi Ara region on October 2, 2026. A man, approximately 70 years old, was killed in the incident. Another crew member, aged 34, was rescued with severe burns and taken to Rambam Hospital, where he was sedated and placed on a ventilator. Initially, there were reports that the aircraft was a crop duster, but aviation authorities clarified it was a light plane on a training mission, carrying no pesticides.

The crash ignited a natural brush fire on a nearby slope, which spread towards homes in the village of Kafr Qara. Firefighters from Hadera worked to extinguish both the aircraft and the brush fire, eventually bringing the situation under control. Fire services stated that there was no immediate danger to the homes in the area.

Police, fire, and Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency medical services responded to the scene. Police secured the area and managed traffic, as Route 65 was temporarily closed. MDA paramedics pronounced the 70-year-old victim dead at the scene, citing extensive injuries and burns. The 34-year-old survivor was treated for burns and evacuated to Rambam Hospital.

Rambam Hospital reported that the injured patient was a man around 33 years old, in moderate condition with burns, and undergoing further examinations. An aviation accident investigator and ZAKA (disaster victim identification) personnel were present at the crash site. Two firefighting teams remained to assist with ongoing operations.