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‘Professional error’ cited in crash of Israeli F-16

The downing of an Israeli F-16 two weeks ago was the result of human error, an IDF investigation revealed.

By: AP and World Israel News Staff

The Israeli military says a “professional error” by a flight crew caused an air force jet to be struck and crash during an attack on a target in Syria earlier this month.

Announcing the results of an investigation, the military said Sunday that the crew did not follow “standard procedure while under enemy fire.” It says the crew chose to complete the mission and did not adequately defend themselves.

The incident occurred on Feb. 10 after an Iranian drone infiltrated Israeli airspace from Syria. Israel shot down the drone and then attacked what it said was an Iranian command center. Israeli planes came under anti-aircraft fire, and one was struck. Israel responded by destroying Syrian anti-aircraft positions.

The Israeli flight crew ejected from the aircraft and landed in Israeli territory. Two pilots were injured, one severely, but he is reported to be on the road to recovery.