Israel Air and Space Force S-70/UH-60A Destroyed

An Israeli Air Force UH-60 Black Hawk was destroyed during a recovery operation in the Gush Etzion area south of Jerusalem. The helicopter had made an emergency landing on January 14 due to bad weather and was subsequently unable to take off. During a sling-load recovery attempt by a CH-53 Sea Stallion, the securing cable failed, causing the Black Hawk to plummet to the ground. The aircraft sustained catastrophic damage, with the tail boom separating on impact. The IAF Chief ordered an investigation into the incident. Fortunately, no personnel were aboard the damaged helicopter during the recovery attempt and no injuries were reported.