IAF: Soldier sabotages F-16
Air Force soldier sabotages aircraft at his base for unknown reason. IAF source tells Ynet: Even if soldier decided to pull a prank, this is a severe incident which must not happen
Ynet learned Monday that a short time before an Air Force F-16 fighter was due to take of on a training mission a few days ago, the technical crew found a technical malfunction which was done purposely by one of the soldiers in the squadron.
The malfunction was fixed before the jet took off, and a serious accident was likely averted.
IDF sources said that "from an investigation of the incident, it is not clear if the sabotage would have caused a tragedy, but it is certainly a severe and irregular incident that should not have happened.
The Military Prosecution has ordered the Military Police on Sunday to initiate a criminal investigation against the soldier, and to hand in their findings as soon as possible.
The information obtained by Ynet reveals that the soldier who sabotaged the plane serves in an administrative position in the squadron, and is responsible for the maintenance of the aircraft. The IDF's Spokesperson's Office confirmed the details of the incident.
'Sabotage was discovered and fixed in time'
When the incident was discovered lat week, the soldier was tried for a disciplinary infraction before a senior officer and given a 21 day incarceration. However, when the Military Prosecution was notified of the incident, they decided that the proceeding at the squadron was not enough.
As a result, the disciplinary action was cancelled, and the Air Force Prosecutor ordered a Military Police investigation which could lead to a much harsher indictment against the soldier in the coming weeks.
Sources within the Air Force who are familiar with the incident, told Ynet that it is unclear what motivated the soldier to conduct the sabotage.
"Luckily, the sabotage was discovered and fixed in time. Even if the soldier, who is knowledgeable in the area, decided to pull a prank which will not cause any damage to the crew and the plane, this is a severe incident which must not happen in the Air Force."
About one year ago, Ynet uncovered a similar incident where a non-commissioned officer who worked at an IAF base was arrested for tampering with an aircraft, but was released after a few days in incarceration.
