The landing
Photo: courtesy of the IAF
VIDEO - The Israeli Air Force was able to video a rarity Thursday, as an F-161 fighter jet made an emergency landing with no engine power.
The Air Force called for a full technical inspection of all F-161 jets, before clearing them for operational activity.
An IAF inquiry into the 23-minute ordeal has also been launched.
The initial investigation revealed that shortly after taking off for a training flight, the pilot and navigator discovered a rare technical malfunction which stalled the jet's single engine.
The crew radioed the nearby Ramon Air Base, as well as its squadron, and after a brief consultation with the two the pilot was instructed to shut the engine down – an unusual and dangerous maneuver – and attempt a landing.
The Ramon Air Base immediately initiated emergency landing procedures, dispatching special teams to the designated runway.
Meanwhile, the jet's resourceful team was able to maneuver the jet into a safe glide landing, averting a potential disaster.