1997 Israeli helicopter disaster

1997 Israeli helicopter disaster
The remains of one of the crashed helicopters
Accident
DateFebruary 4, 1997 (1997-02-04)
SummaryMid-air collision
SiteShe'ar Yashuv in northern Israel
33°13′20″N 35°38′28″E / 33.22222°N 35.64111°E / 33.22222; 35.64111
Total fatalities73
Total survivors0
First aircraft
TypeSikorsky S-65C-3 Yas'ur 2000
Operator Israeli Air Force
Registration357
Fatalities37
Survivors0
Second aircraft
TypeSikorsky S-65C-3 Yas'ur 2000
Operator Israeli Air Force
Registration903
Fatalities36
Survivors0

The 1997 Israeli helicopter disaster (Hebrew: אסון המסוקים, romanizedAson HaMasokim, lit.''Disaster of the Helicopters'') occurred on February 4, 1997, when two Israeli Air Force transport helicopters ferrying Israeli soldiers into Israel's security zone in southern Lebanon collided in mid-air, killing all 73 Israeli military personnel on board. The crash brought about widespread national mourning and is considered a leading factor in Israel's decision to withdraw from southern Lebanon in 2000.