IDF probe finds technical failure led to Cobra crash

Deadly Cobra helicopter crash which killed two IAF pilots caused by technical failure, according to IDF investigation.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Site of IDF helicopter crash near Kibbutz Revadim 370 (photo credit: Amir Cohen/Reuters)
Site of IDF helicopter crash near Kibbutz Revadim 370
(photo credit: Amir Cohen/Reuters)
A technical failure was the probable cause of a deadly Cobra helicopter crash earlier this month, the IDF announced on Thursday, following the release of intermediate results of an investigation.
Pilots Lt.-Col. (res.) Noam Ron, 49, and Maj. (res.) Erez Flekser, 31, were killed when their aircraft crashed near Gedera in the early morning hours of March 12. The results of the investigation were presented on Thursday to the bereaved families. Beforehand, they were shown to IAF chief Maj.-Gen. Amir Eshel.
Lieut-Col. (res.) Noam Ron with his family Photo: Courtesy Ron family
Lieut-Col. (res.) Noam Ron with his family Photo: Courtesy Ron family
After the crash, Eshel grounded all Cobra helicopters pending the result of the investigation. They remain grounded for the time being.
“Investigating teams are continuing their work until they complete their report,” the IDF said. “The IAF commander ordered the teams to use all means to clarify, in the most in-depth manner, the circumstances of the crash.”
An initial investigation pointed to a catastrophic technical malfunction as a possible cause for the accident.
It also found that the pilots had radioed the Palmahim air base before the crash, saying they would land there in six minutes, on schedule.
There was no distress call.
The Cobra helicopter, known in Hebrew as the “Tzefa,” was involved in two other fatal crashes in recent years.