The Israel Air Force completed a preliminary investigation into the southern Lebanon incident during which Hezbollah terrorists targeted an IAF helicopter that was on the ground, Israel's public broadcaster KAN News reported on Monday night.
The helicopter, an Israeli variant of the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk known as the “Owl,” was carrying out a medical evacuation during the incident in which Sgt. Idan Fooks was killed, and six others were wounded, KAN reported.
The IAF sent two "Owls" which were carrying medical teams and soldiers from the Search and Rescue Brigade's Unit 669, the investigation showed.
The first helicopter evacuated three of the casualties and took off within 34 seconds. The second landed shortly after and began to evacuate the remaining casualties, KAN reported.
Shortly after the second helicopter landed, an explosive drone launched by Hezbollah terrorists landed nearby. The helicopter pilots took off immediately without the helicopter's commander's approval due to the urgency of the situation, KAN said.
The helicopter remained on the ground for 24 seconds, the investigation found.
Helicopter crew lands at safe site to inspect potential damage, none found
The helicopter crew decided to stop at a safe landing site to inspect the aircraft for damage. A third helicopter was dispatched to evacuate the casualties from this safe landing site, KAN said.
No damage was found, the report said.