Bird Strike Forces Emergency Landing for Helicopter Carrying President Herzog

An IDF helicopter carrying Israeli President Isaac Herzog made an emergency landing today (Thursday) at an Israeli Air Force base in central Israel. The IDF said there were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft.

The president was on his way to pay a condolence visit in Kerem מהר"ל, following a ceremony at Mount Herzl marking 12 years since Operation "Protective Edge." A preliminary inquiry indicates that a flock of birds apparently struck the helicopter, leading the crew to report their intention to land. The helicopter flew to a base in central Israel and landed safely.

The IDF said: "As part of standard procedure, the flight crew was transferred to another helicopter and continued the flight. The helicopter was transferred for further handling by Air Force technical teams, with the goal of returning it to regular service as soon as possible. The incident is under investigation."