A rare technical failure forced the crew of F-16I fighter jet – also known as the Sufa -- to land with its only engine no longer burning. During a training flight the plane's crew discovered the technical fault, but thanks to the resourcefulness of the young pilot and navigator, a dangerous accident was prevented.
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Right after discovering the fault, the crew contacted the nearest control tower, and the squadron base, and it was decided that they should turn off the plane's only engine. This is a dangerous move which necessitates an emergency landing.
The process of an emergency landing is highly complex. The procedure was carried out with no engine, using the plane's gliding motion alone.
The crew made an emergency landing at the Ramon Israeli Air Force base in southern Israel. There were no casualties or damage in the incident.
After the emergency landing, IAF commander Major General Ido Nechushtan grounded all Sufa planes for inspection. The Air Force is conducted a review of the incident.
The Sufa (“Storm”) is Israel's newest fighter jet.