2 Israeli Soldiers Killed, 1 Injured in Helicopter Crash
JERUSALEM, Israel – Two Israeli military pilots were killed Monday night when a helicopter crashed off the coast of the northern Israeli city of Haifa.
The chopper slammed into the Mediterranean Sea during a training flight, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement.
“After extensive resuscitation efforts, the two pilots were declared dead,” the military said.
A third crew member, an aerial observer, was rescued and evacuated to a hospital where he is in stable condition.
The pilots were identified as LTC Erez Sachyani, 38, and Maj. Chen Fogel, 27.
LTC Erez Sachyani, Dep. Commander of Ezer Weizman Ramat David Airbase, age 38, married & father of 3.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 4, 2022
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
“On behalf of the citizens of Israel, I would like to send heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in the helicopter accident and a speedy recovery to the injured officer,” Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett tweeted.
The cause of the incident is under investigation. Senior Israeli Airforce Officer Brig. Gen. Amir Lazar said the crash appears to have been caused by a motor malfunction.
“I promise that the IDF will investigate the incident and draw the necessary lessons. I would like to thank the rescue forces who acted quickly and under difficult conditions to locate the helicopter crew,” Defense Minister Benny Gantz tweeted.
The chief of the Israeli Air Force ordered the immediate suspension of all training flights and the use of helicopters from the same class as the one involved in the crash.
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