Lt. Col. (res.) Yuval Inbar, 50, from Mahgoor, a fighter pilot and former squadron commander, and retired Lt. Col. Itai Talmi, 72, from Kibbutz Hasolalim, were the two killed today (Sunday) in a light plane crash in the Jezreel Valley.
The late Inbar left behind a wife and three children. He was currently in active reserve service.
The late Itai Talmi left behind a wife, three children and seven grandchildren. He served for decades as a fighter pilot in the Air Force and held a number of senior positions in the force - and later served as a captain for El Al Airlines.
The two were killed while flying a Super Drifter ultralight aircraft, made of a tube and with seats on top. This is an aircraft for enthusiasts with an engine mounted in the back, and the wings and tail are made of fabric. This aircraft is designed for slow flight and low altitude.
Last February, Inbar posted on Facebook with a picture of the light aircraft - and wrote: "A new toy to play with. The closest thing to a flying motorcycle, I just couldn't resist.".
The South Sharon Regional Council said: "Yuval, married to Lou And the father of Lia, Shalev and Nevo, worked for years with dedication, responsibility, and a sense of mission."Mocha is committed to the security of the State of Israel and its citizens.".
Oshrat Ganei Gonen, head of the South Sharon Regional Council, said: "My heart goes out to the Inbar family and the Hagor community at this difficult time. Yuval was a man of values, a true citizen, a beloved and dedicated family man who for many years dedicated himself to significant and extraordinary work for the security of the State of Israel. This is a huge loss for his family, his friends and the entire community."".
The crash occurred in the morning. There were two men in the light aircraft, including Inbar. The plane crashed in an open area near Moshav Tel Adashim.
The two were evacuated in critical condition to HaEmek Hospital in Afula, where they were pronounced dead.
Civil Aviation Authority investigators have opened an investigation to clarify the circumstances of the accident.
