An IDF investigation finds that the IAF F-16 fighter jet that was shot down by Syrian air defense apparently failed to take proper evasive action.
The fighters were involved on a raid in Syria targeting an Iranian operations base, after the Iranians flew a drone into Israel that was shot down by an Israeli helicopter.
The Israeli jets were targeted with a salvo of Russian-made Syrian anti-aircraft missiles, one of which exploded near the F-16, hitting it with shrapnel.
The remains of an Israel F-16 that crashed after coming under fire by Syrian air defenses during attacks against ‘Iranian targets’ in the war-torn country, in the northern Israeli Jezreel Valley, on February 10, 2018. (AFP PHOTO / Jack GUEZ)
The investigation finds that the missile was able to hit the Israeli jet due to the pilot and navigator making a professional mistake and failing to take sufficient evasive actions.
However, the investigation also finds that the crew acted correctly when they decided to eject from the stricken plane.
The pilot was seriously injured and the navigator suffered minor injuries.
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From the Liveblog of
Sunday, February 25, 2018
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