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TheMarker probe: Major flaws found in maintenance of IAF attack aircraft By Guy Leshem Tags: IAF, Israel News  An investigation by TheMarker found serious flaws in the maintenance of the Israel Air Force's Skyhawk attack aircraft: The civilian contractor responsible for their upkeep failed to carry out essential checks and failed to report serious safety hazards. The aircraft are maintained by the contractor Kanfei Tahzuka at a southern air force base. Following the investigation, the air force conducted a surprise examination of the facility, and last week air force chief Major General Ido Nehushtan ordered the complete cessation of Skyhawk operations, starting today. The contractor in question has been responsible for maintaining the Skyhawk aircraft since 2005. Advertisement The U.S.-developed Skyhawks were the primary ground attack aircraft in the War of Attrition and the Yom Kippur War of the 1970s, but have since been phased out of actual combat by the more advanced F-16. Today, the planes are used to train fighter pilots as well as in a variety of operational missions. TheMarker found that the contractor failed to conduct checks on the system responsible for maintaining the aircraft's altitude, as well as its exhaust and brakes systems. Moreover, when technicians found tire and wheel fractures, they were instructed to cover them with lubricant rather than mend the rifts. Upon hearing of the maintenance failures, pilots sought to downplay the findings. "A Skyhawk has yet to be grounded due to a safety malfunction," said one. Still, they agreed that deviating from standard maintenance procedures could in some cases lead to security failings during flight, or otherwise endanger the lives of those onboard. The Israel Defense Forces Spokesman's Office said in response: "We have learned that a comprehensive check-up of the Skyhawk was conducted at the reporter's request, and a decision was made to ground the fleet." A spokesman for Israel Aerospace Industries said, "From the moment the matter was brought to our attention, we have cooperated with the air force as much as possible." The maintenance contractor added, "We have received the [investigative] material. We will cooperate with Israel Aerospace Industries and the air force in checking the matter." Related articles: Report: Terrorists try to lure IAF officer in effort to kidnap him Not their finest hour IAF official: All F16I pilots were exposed to carcinogenic substance Bookmark to del.icio.us   Forgotten peace French FM: I fear distracted world may forget Mideast peace process. Settlers vs. Shin Bet Daniela Weiss: Shin Bet behind attack on left-wing advocate prof. Sternhell.   1.   Did Israel?s Army became a Third-World force? 07:52  |  Jean Van Daem 05/10/08   2.   I Didn`t think they still flew the Skyhawk??? 08:19  |  B`Galil 05/10/08   3.   Skyhawh aircraft 08:12  |  Yoel 06/10/08

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