Jan Betlach described the story of the crews of the 118th squadron from the morning of October 7, 2023, which he claimed originated from the Israeli Air Force. Four Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters left the Tel Nof base with the mission to transport paratroopers to the border with Gaza. Each carried approximately 50 soldiers, more than usual, and the crews, according to Betlach, did not receive air cover because other aircraft were protecting the border fence. Near the kibbutz Alumim, the lead helicopter spotted men on motorcycles, whom the crew deemed likely Palestinian terrorists. While attempting to land elsewhere, the aircraft was hit and made an emergency landing. The onboard mechanic, according to Betlach, manually opened the back doors, and all approximately 50 soldiers exited unharmed. The second helicopter dropped off its soldiers and waited while gunfire and mortar shells fell on the crew. The crew of the hit aircraft ran across open terrain to it; shortly after, their abandoned helicopter was struck by another rocket. Betlach reported that the second pilot had a gunshot wound to the leg, and something was leaking from the tail of the second aircraft. The wounded pilot, according to him, returned to the cockpit a few hours later, and the paratroopers continued to engage in fighting near Beeri and Alumim. #Izrael #armáda #konflikt (translated)
