Civilian Helicopter Crash In Israel Kills All Four On Board

November 24, 2009 4:50 p.m. EST

Netanya, Israel (AHN) - An Israeli civilian helicopter fell to the sea off central Israel Tuesday afternoon. The crash killed at least two tourists on board and both pilots.

Witnesses say the helicopter was flying north of the beach when they heart a weird noise coming from its propeller. Then the rotor came off and witnesses say suddenly it flipped 90 degrees. Reportedly the propeller hit the water and broke off and the helicopter slammed into the water.

A spokesperson for the Israel Air Force relayed some details of a preliminary investigation and revealed that none of its aircraft were missing.

Rescue services responding to the call of the crash found two bodies floating in the water, but were unable to resuscitate them. Israeli Navy Rescue boats and police helicopters searching the area retrieved two more bodies. Also found at the scene was a British passport.

The British embassy in Tel Aviv is currently investigating whether one of the men pulled from the water was a British national, and if so, whether he resided in Israel or abroad. Published reports say the man was in his 40s.

The cause of the crash near the resort city of Netanya still remains unknown. Investigators are trying to determine if the accident was human error or a technical malfunction.