An Israeli Air Force squadron commander, Maj. Ohad Cohen Nov, 34, was killed Wednesday afternoon when his F-16 fighter plane caught fire and crashed at the Ramon Base in the Negev.
Ohad was returning from conducting reprisal airstrikes in Gaza after after a rocket was launched into the Israeli city of Sderot on Wednesday morning. As he was preparing to land the aircraft, a fire broke out. Ohad was killed trying to save the jet. The navigator of the plane managed to eject and landed safely.
During his training, Ohad had been living on the Ramon Airbase in the Negev and was considered by his colleagues to be one of the most respected pilots. He had passed courses to operate both the F-15 and F-16 jets.
Ohad was returning from conducting reprisal airstrikes in Gaza after after a rocket was launched into the Israeli city of Sderot on Wednesday morning. As he was preparing to land the aircraft, a fire broke out. Ohad was killed trying to save the jet. The navigator of the plane managed to eject and landed safely.
During his training, Ohad had been living on the Ramon Airbase in the Negev and was considered by his colleagues to be one of the most respected pilots. He had passed courses to operate both the F-15 and F-16 jets.
The 34-year-old pilot is survived by his pregnant wife, Shahar, and a young daughter who live in Mazor.
A fellow pilot who served with him for many years in Ramon Airbase said about him, “He was a person of gold. He was happy, funny, and had a good heart. He was always nice and courteous and smiling. He loved challenges and was an excellent pilot. He had everything.”
Besides his own family, he leaves behind his parents and two older sisters.
Air force commander Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel has ordered an investigation.
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