Body of missing pilot found near Jordan border

Search for Avner Tzchori, 38, who went missing after taking off on private plane concludes. Plane parts found in Jordanian territory

Ilana Curiel|Published: 05.27.13 , 10:38

The body of Avner Tzchori, 38, who went missing Sunday after taking off from Ein Vered on an ultra-light plane was found near the Jordanian border by a police officer and two volunteers on Monday.

The plane's remains were located several hours later inside by Jordanian army forces inside Jordanian territory. The body will be turned over to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute.

Related stories:

Tzchori had been missing since Sunday morning after he took off from a landing-field in central Israel on his private ultra-light plane. A suicide note was later found in his home. He had started taking ultra-light flying lessons six months ago and had not yet received his pilot license.

קסדתו של צחורי (דוברות מחוז דרום)

Tzchori's helmet (Photo: Southern District Police)

In 2003, Tzchori suffered a sky diving accident in the United States which left him paralyzed from the waist down and wheelchair-bound. He has since worked as an inspirational speaker and video editor among other things and also worked on developing technical aids for the disabled.

One of Tzchori's friends told Yedioth Ahronoth that the suicide note had come as a complete shock to his friends who described him as an extremely motivated and optimistic person despite his injury.

אזור ההתרסקות, הבוקר (צילום: יחידת חילוץ ערבה)

Site of crash (Photo: Arava Rescue Unit)

"He never rested for a moment, despite his injury. Some people only want to be pitied after such an accident but Avner quickly got back on his horse and started giving lectures about his life story," one friend said.

Another added, "He suffered a critical injury and fought for his life and made his rehabilitation a way of life. Despite being wheelchair-bound he never broke down and went about realizing his dream of flying."