WATCH: Dramatic video of Israeli Air Force Black Hawk falling to ground after harness fails mid-lift

West Bank: An Israeli Air Force UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was destroyed Friday after plummeting from the air during a failed recovery operation in the Gush Etzion region. The military confirmed that while the aircraft, known as the "Yanshuf," was lost, there were no injuries reported in the incident.

Recovery Operation Failure

The Black Hawk had been grounded in an open field near the settlement of Ma’ale Amos since Tuesday following an emergency landing. On Friday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) attempted to transport the stranded helicopter using a CH-53 Yas’ur heavy-lift helicopter. During the flight, the cables connecting the two aircraft snapped, causing the Yanshuf to fall from a significant height and impact the ground.

Military Investigation Launched

The chief of the Israeli Air Force (IAF), Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar has ordered a formal investigation into the technical failure. Investigators are expected to examine the integrity of the specialised lifting equipment and the safety protocols followed during the military recovery.

The incident occurred amid a period of severe winter weather in the West Bank that has disrupted both military operations and civilian life.