Sikorsky CH-53 crash near Na'aran, Israel

An Israeli Air Force CH-53 Yas'ur helicopter crashed during a night exercise in the Jordan Valley, killing all 54 on board including 10 crew and 44 paratroopers. Known as Ason HaNun-Daled (Disaster of the 54), it remains the worst single-aircraft accident in the West Bank. The helicopter rose a few hundred feet before suddenly losing altitude, striking a hill near the settlement of Na'aran north of Jericho, and exploding on impact. The cause was determined to be controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) while flying at too low an altitude in darkness. Announcement was delayed 18 hours to notify families. The Israeli cabinet met upon receiving the news and entertainment for Jerusalem's 10th anniversary celebrations of the 1967 war were cancelled.