Israeli military helicopter crashes off country's coast, two dead

A third crew member, an aerial observer, was injured and evacuated to a hospital

Policemen speak with Israelis as they hold parts of a military helicopter at the shore after it crashed off the coast of the Mediterranean near Haifa as local media said, Israel January 3, 2022. REUTERS

JERUSALEM:

An Israeli military helicopter crashed off the coast of northern Israel during a training flight late on Monday, killing two pilots, the military said.

A third crew member, an aerial observer, was injured and evacuated to a hospital, the military said.

The air force commanding officer opened an investigation into the crash and ordered a temporary discontinuation of training flights, as well as the use of the maritime Panther helicopter.