IAF jets narrowly avoid crash during drill
Fuel pipe hits F-16 fighter jet during refueling attempt involving Boeing 707 tanker jet. Both aircraft perform emergency landing. No injuries reported
A refueling drill involving an F-16 fighter jet and an Air Force Boeing 707 tanker failed and caused a fuel pipe to hit the aircraft's head-up display (HUD) on Friday, Ynet learned. The two aircraft were forced to perform an emergency landing.
The incident, which fortunately did not leave any injuries, took place during a drill at the Ovda base in southern Israel. The IAF launched an inquiry.
Related stories:
- US, Lockheed reach deal on Israeli F-35s
- IDF braces for budget cuts
- 'Air Force prepared for any mission'
Meanwhile, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Friday that IAF Commander Major-General Amir Eshel ordered the grounding of dozens of F-16 jets over a possible malfunction threatening their engines.
This has led to a reduction in combat training flights. Nevertheless, IAF sources stressed that should the need arise, the jets will be prepped for flight within a short while.
- Receive Ynetnews updates
directly to your desktop
