An IDF helicopter with three IDF officers onboard crashed off the coast of Haifa, late Monday night.
Two soldiers died R”L of their injuries while a third is reported to be in light-to-moderate condition at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa.
2 IDF officers were killed and 1 moderately injured when an IAF maritime helicopter crashed into the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Haifa during a training flight last night.
We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the two pilots who lost their lives.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 3, 2022
The Niftarim were later identified as 38 year old Lt. Col. Erez Shahanei, married and a father of three, and Capt. Hen Fogel a 27 year old helicopter pilot from Haifa. May the families be given strength, Yihi Zichrom Baruch.
LTC Erez Sachyani, Dep. Commander of Ezer Weizman Ramat David Airbase, age 38, married & father of 3.
Maj. Chen Fogel, helicopter pilot in the 193rd Squadron, age 27.
They are the 2 pilots killed in the helicopter crash near Haifa last night.
May their memories be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/MSVwLVnmPm
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 4, 2022
Statement by the IDF: Two IDF officers were killed and one moderately injured in a helicopter crash last night.
Last night (Monday), an IAF maritime helicopter (“Atalef”) crashed into the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Haifa, during a training flight. An aerial observer and two pilots were on board.
The air crew members were rescued by Yaltam, Unit 669, Marine Police and Shayetet 13 troops, who administered first aid at the scene.
After extensive resuscitation efforts, the two pilots were declared dead. The aerial observer was moderately injured and evacuated to a hospital.
The victim’s families have been notified. The IDF expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families and will continue to support them.
The Commanding Officer of the IAF, Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin, has ordered the temporary discontinuation of training flights in the IAF, as well as use of the “Atalef” array.
In addition, the Commanding Officer of the IAF has appointed an investigative team headed by Col. T to investigate the incident.
