The well seasoned reserve duty Israel Air Force pilots were on a routine training exercise, taking off from the Palmachim Base in the center of the country. Close to 01:30 on Tuesday morning 1 Nissan 5773, communications between the control tower and the Cobra helicopter were lost and the IAF immediately implemented the appropriate procedures.

The chopper and the bodies of the pilots z�l were found in a field near Kibbutz Revadim south of Gadera about an hour later. A second chopper that took part in the same training exercise reported back to base without incident.

Officials add the crew of the ill-fated chopper did not report a malfunction or send any distress message. A full investigation has been ordered by Air Force Commander Major-General Amir Eshel. The families of the niftarim z�l were notified during the night.

Officials add that a propeller from the chopper was found at about 05:00 this morning. It is also reported that a citizen driving on Route 3 reported seeing a large object fall from the sky shortly after 01:00. And finally, it is being reported that the chopper did not explode in the air, but crashed on the ground.

12:57 IL:�It is now permitted to release the names of the pilots who perished in the crash. Killed in the crash were Lt.-Colonel Noam Ron z�l, 49, from Oranit and Major Erez Flekser z�l, 31, from Haifa.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)