An initial investigation into the tragic IDF helicopter crash in Gaza points to human error, exacerbated by poor visibility conditions, as the likely cause. The incident, which occurred just after midnight on September 11, resulted in the deaths of two elite Unit 669 fighters and left seven other crew members injured.
The Black Hawk helicopter, known as "Yanshuf" in the IDF, began its landing approach around 12:30 AM. As it neared the landing zone, the pilot reported difficulty in locating the landing pad due to poor visibility. In response to these challenging conditions, the crew made the decision to "go around" for a second landing attempt.
The helicopter's rotor blades then struck an earthen embankment protecting the landing area. The crew members quickly recognized the imminent danger and communicated the impending crash over internal channels. Moments later, the helicopter hit the ground, partially colliding with an empty Humvee vehicle.
Several factors appear to have contributed to this devastating accident. The darkness and dust severely limited visibility, creating a challenging environment for the pilot. Investigators suspect that the pilots may also have experienced a brief moment of spatial disorientation, often referred to as "vertigo," just before impact. In addition, most team members were not wearing seatbelts due to the nature of the mission and the cabin configuration, which possibly contributed to the severity of injuries.