JERUSALEM, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- The Israeli air force says it grounded its Cobra helicopters after two pilots were killed Thursday in a crash in the Jezreel Valley.
Two Cobra helicopters were flying in formation on a routine training mission from Ramat David when one of them crashed, scattering debris over a large area, Haaretz reported.
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Witnesses said the downed helicopter lost its rotor shortly before crashing and bursting into flames, Haaretz reported.
One of the pilots was identified as Maj. Shai Danor, 35, the father of five children, Haaretz reported, adding the identity of the co-pilot had yet to be released.
Cobras have been used by the Israeli air force since the 1970s and some are nearly 40 years old, Haaretz reported.
