Light Aircraft Crashes in Northern Israel, Killing One and Injuring Another

A light aircraft crashed on a mountainside near Kfar Qara in Wadi Ara on Friday morning during a training flight, erupting in flames. One crew member was found dead at the scene, and another, a 34-year-old man, sustained severe injuries. A brush fire broke out following the crash and began spreading towards homes in Kfar Qara. Firefighters from the Hadera station responded, working to extinguish both the aircraft and the brush fire, successfully preventing its spread to residential areas. Initial reports mistakenly identified the aircraft as a crop-dusting helicopter, but aviation authorities clarified it was a light plane on a training mission and was not carrying pesticides. Paramedics treated the injured 34-year-old man for burns on his limbs, initially describing his condition as moderate before updating it to severe. He was sedated and ventilated before being transported by ambulance to Rambam Hospital. Paramedic Ayman Arnaut stated, "The man was extricated to us in moderate condition, suffering from burns on his limbs. We provided him with life-saving medical treatment and are evacuating him by Magen David Adom intensive care unit to Rambam Hospital." Police from the Iron station also arrived at the scene to assist emergency services. Road 65 was temporarily closed to traffic in the area due to the incident, with police directing drivers to alternative routes.