The Air Force completed last night the initial investigation into the serious incident that occurred yesterday in southern Lebanon, during which Hezbollah terrorists attempted to damage an "Owl" helicopter while it was on the ground on a mission to rescue wounded people.
According to a report this evening (Monday) on 'Kan News', the new details that emerged in the investigation shed light on the dramatic seconds in which a major disaster was averted.
The incident occurred during the evacuation of casualties from the deadly drone attack in which Sergeant Idan Fox of the 14th Battalion was killed and six other soldiers were injured.
According to the findings of the investigation, the first helicopter landed in the area, picked up three wounded people, and took off in just 34 seconds. The second helicopter landed immediately after to pick up the remaining wounded. While on the ground, a Hezbollah explosive drone was spotted falling a short distance from the scene.
The pilots, sensing the immediate danger, made a decision and took off immediately - without receiving permission from the commander in the rear cabin, as required by normal procedures.
The helicopter was on the ground for only 24 seconds.
Due to the proximity of the helicopter to the ground, concerns arose that shrapnel had damaged the aircraft's systems or body. As a result, the Air Force decided not to risk a direct flight to the hospital and made an intermediate stop at the Mahanaim airstrip.
A comprehensive inspection of the aircraft was carried out in the fields, while another helicopter was scrambled to complete the evacuation of the wounded to their destination.
At the end of the inspection, it turned out that fortunately, no damage was found to the helicopter and it was restored to service.
The IDF and Air Force are trying to find solutions to the drone threat, which is considered a "relatively new threat" in the campaign against Hezbollah.
According to the IDF, the solutions are currently limited, but there is an intention to make tactical changes that will reduce the possibility of Hezbollah terrorists attacking helicopters on the ground inside Lebanese territory.
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