The helicopter and the late pilot
Photo: IAF
Apache helicopter crash cause revealed
IAF investigation reveals that last month's helicopter crash that killed the pilot and seriously injured the co-pilot was caused by a rare malfunction in its control stick; IAF Col.: 'The pilot's decision to land at the base saved the co-pilot.'
Investigators have concluded that the IAF Apache helicopter that crashed last month at the Ramon Air Base was caused by a rare malfunction in the helicopter's cyclic control stick's connection to the tail rotor.
According to the conclusions of the second interim report of the accident, the malfunction led to the disconnection of the control stick and the loss of control over the helicopter.
The pilot, Maj. (res.) David (Dudi) Zohar, was killed in the crash while his co-pilot, Lieutenant On, was seriously wounded.
An Apache helicopter, and the late David Zohar (Photo: IAF)
The commander of the air force, Major General Amikam Norkin, ordered the return of the Apache helicopters that were grounded in the wake of the accident to operational duty.
The head of the Air Force's safety and quality assurance department, helicopter pilot Colonel Yoav, said Monday morning that Major Zohar's decision to return to land at the base despite the difficult flight conditions is what apparently saved the life of the co-pilot.
"The return of the crew to the base was essential because of the landing conditions and the emergency forces waiting for them," Col. Yoav said.
The crash took place 45 minutes after the two took off for a training flight in the south. Col. Yoav commended the late Maj. Zohar for being able to return the helicopter in the condition it was in.
"A disconnection of the cyclic control stick can be likened to, when driving a car, realizing that there is a malfunction in the steering wheel and the vehicle turns only to the left and not to the right."
The IAF noted that the investigation would continue for a few months and that there was no suspicion of negligence.
"A malfunction in the installation of the control stick led slack in its freedom of movement, which eroded it over time," Col. Yoav explained, noting that the erosion "developed until the stick disconnected entirely.
"We detected gaps in the installation guidelines for these control sticks, which are installed in Israel after they arrive from a US manufacturer. From meetings we held with representatives of the US military and the manufacturer, we learned that there has never been such an accident anywhere before."
Instructions for installing the control stick are expected to be updated in accordance with the findings of the investigation.
In addition, an examination is set to be launched to uncover how the control stick's erosion was not detected in the periodic inspections of the helicopters, and if such erosion could be detected at all.
