Collision between cargo jet, IAF planes averted at B-G
By JPOST.COM STAFF
A collision between a Russian cargo jet and a number of IAF aircraft was narrowly averted Tuesday afternoon, Army Radio reported.
An initial investigation into the incident conducted by the Israel Airports Authority indicated that distance between the aircraft was less than five kilometers. According to Ben-Gurion officials, the Russian pilot had ignored instructions from the tower and attempted to fly around clouds while taking off.
The Transportation Ministry announced that it would launch an investigation. The ministry intends to clarify whether the planes saw each other, why the Russian pilot apparently ignored instructions from the tower, and how the air traffic controllers handled themselves.