Combat Jets nearly collide during dogfight drill
Two aircraft fly 50 meters apart against safety rules; IDF official: These things happen; latest in string of accidents in IAF
During a mock combat drill last week two F-16 aircraft flew as close as 50 meters (164 feet) from each other, contrary to safety procedures.
No one was harmed and no damage was caused in the dangerous incident. The Air Force launched an investigation into the event.
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The flight drill was a simulation of a dogfight, in the course of which the pilots performed a maneuver in which they fly one beneath the other, while maintaining a safe distance to avoid a collision.
For an unknown reason, the two aircraft drew as close as several dozen meters from each other.
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit stated that "The Air Force keeps drilling in order to face the missions and challenges ahead, constantly learning and drawing conclusions."
Another military official said: "In light of the wide range of Air Force drills and their character, unsafe incidents may occur, despite protocol."
This latest incident is the last in a series of similar events in the Air Force over the last year.
In a previous incident, a refuelling aircraft's pipe disconnected mid training flight, and in another two airmen were forced to evacuate their combat jet ahead of landing in a northern base, fearing a critical malfunction.
In another incident, two high ranking IAF officers were only a 100 meters (328 feet) away from colliding their jets during a drill in southern Israel.
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