An interim IDF report conducted by experts into the helicopter crash in Rafah in September which killed 2 soldiers has concluded that the deadly crash was caused by a cloud of dust, leading to a lack of visibility.

The September 11 crash, which killed Sergeant major (Res.) Daniel Alloush and Sergeant major (Res.) Tom Ish-Shalom, soldiers from Unit 669 (the Tactical Special Rescue Unit), occurred when a Yanshuf helicopter crashed while attempting to land in the Rafah area to rescue a critically wounded soldier. The crash injured an additional 7 soldiers as well.

The findings of the IDF’s interim report were presented to the bereaved families, and the families of the injured soldiers, by the leader of the team of experts who conducted the investigation, named publicly as just Colonel (Res.) G.

According to the report, challenging conditions including nighttime, a cloud of dust and a complex landing zone, all led to a lack of visibility. It is highly probable these conditions led the crew to experience spatial disorientation, causing them to lose visual contact with the ground, leading to the crash.

The report also specifies that enemy fire was not a cause of the crash. Technical issues were also ruled out, and the crew was deemed to be fit for the mission.

Following the release of the interim report, Israeli Air Force Commanding Officer MG Tomer Bar said: “This was a fatal wartime operational accident, in which two Unit 669 soldiers, Sergeant major (res.) Daniel Alloush and Sergeant major (Res.) Tom Ish-Shalom, fell while attempting to rescue a wounded soldier whose condition required urgent evacuation from the Gaza Strip. Such operations have saved hundreds of soldiers during the war. The IAF will quickly draw the necessary lessons and continue to operate with determination.”

{Matzav.com}