Israeli Actor and Flight Instructor Guy Kapulnik Dies in California Plane Crash

Israeli actor and flight instructor Guy Kapulnik, 46, died last Thursday when a light aircraft he was piloting crashed in San Bernardino County, California. His family confirmed his death on Tuesday. A second woman on board the single-engine Aeronca Champion also perished in the crash, which occurred around 10 a.m. near Hesperia. Emergency services pronounced both victims dead at the scene.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Kapulnik, originally from Carmey Yosef, Israel, had been living in Los Angeles in recent years. His diverse career included service as an officer in the elite 669 search and rescue unit, studies in information systems at the Technion, and acting training at the Nissan Nativ Acting Studio in Jerusalem. He appeared in Israeli films and theater productions, including "Lebanon," "Room 514," "Salsa Tel Aviv," and "Guard Me."

After moving to the United States, Kapulnik continued his acting career in local film, television, and theater. In recent years, aviation became his primary focus. He became a certified flight instructor in California, training numerous students.