Veteran Pilot and Flight Instructor Dies in Light Aircraft Crash

Eran Peleg, 75, a former fighter pilot and a well-known figure in Israel's light aircraft community, died Friday when the small plane he was traveling in as a passenger crashed near the village of Kafr Qara in the Wadi Ara region. The 33-year-old pilot of the aircraft sustained moderate injuries, including burns to his limbs, and was evacuated to Rambam Medical Center in Haifa.

Peleg, a resident of Kfar Saba, had dedicated many years to training pilots and was known for his expertise and emphasis on safety. Yoram Sedan, a flight instructor and close friend who was trained by Peleg, described him as an excellent pilot with extensive knowledge of aviation. "Eran was an excellent pilot, knew all the parts and the worlds of flight," Sedan said. "When we were members of the light aircraft pilots' committee and formulated safety guidelines, we gave Eran to check and make comments. He was a pilot who knew aviation worlds up close and always insisted on safety and gave us important points."

Sedan recounted that Peleg had a medical issue that previously forced him to stop flying, but he had since recovered and was in the process of renewing his pilot's license. Peleg joined the fatal flight as a passenger at the invitation of the pilot. Peleg was passionate about aviation and saw training the next generation of pilots as his calling, personally mentoring many young pilots.

"He was a pilot in all his limbs and did everything to ensure a new generation for aviation. He personally instructed many young pilots on light aircraft. He trained pilots, and instructed in light aircraft flights together and in formations. I owe him a lot," Sedan stated. Peleg's extensive experience included flights across Europe and safaris in Africa. Sedan concluded by remembering Peleg as a "very respected man, an amazing person, an excellent pilot, who instructed generations of pilots."