F-15 Eagle Mid-Air Collision: The Miracle Landing of Baz 957
In the world of aviation, there are moments that defy the laws of physics and the expectations of engineers. One such event occurred on May 1, 1983, over the Negev region of Israel. During a routine training exercise, an Israeli Air Force (IAF) F-15D Eagle survived a catastrophic mid-air collision that would have typically resulted in a total loss of the aircraft and its crew. The story of Baz 957 is not just a tale of survival, but a testament to the robust design of the F-15.
Key Facts
- Date: May 1, 1983
- Location: Negev, Israel
- Aircraft Involved: McDonnell Douglas F-15D Eagle and Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
- Outcome: All three crew members survived; the F-15 landed safely despite losing a wing.
- Critical Factor: The F-15's lifting body properties and high engine thrust enabled flight without a full wing.
The Collision in the Negev
The incident took place during a dissimilar air combat training session—a drill where different types of aircraft practice fighting one another. An F-15D Eagle, known in Israel as the Baz (Falcon), collided with a Douglas A-4 Skyhawk. The impact was devastating: the Skyhawk disintegrated instantly, and its pilot was automatically ejected.
The F-15D, carrying pilot Zivi Nedivi and navigator Yehoar Gal, suffered a severe blow. The aircraft's right wing was sheared off approximately 2 feet (60 cm) from the root. Initially, the crew was unaware of the extent of the damage because fuel was leaking profusely and vaporizing at the wing attachment, creating a cloud that obscured their view.
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Fighting for Control
Immediately following the collision, the F-15 entered an uncontrollable roll. Recognizing the danger, the instructor ordered an immediate ejection. However, Nedivi, who outranked the instructor, made the split-second decision to stay with the aircraft. He attempted to recover the plane by engaging the afterburner—the component of a jet engine that provides a massive burst of additional thrust.
Against all odds, Nedivi regained control. He was able to keep the aircraft airborne by leveraging the lift generated by the large areas of the fuselage, the stabilators (horizontal stabilizers that control pitch), and the remaining left wing.
The High-Speed Landing
With the aircraft barely flyable, Nedivi diverted to Ramon Airbase. To maintain enough lift to stay in the air, he had to approach the runway at twice the normal landing speed. The landing was violent; the aircraft's tailhook was completely torn off upon impact. Nedivi managed to bring the jet to a halt just 20 feet (6 m) from the end of the runway.
Reflecting on the event, Nedivi later noted that had he seen the missing wing clearly, he likely would have ejected. Analysis by McDonnell Douglas later revealed that the F-15's wide lifting body—a design where the fuselage itself generates lift—essentially allowed the plane to act like a rocket when flown at high speeds, making wings secondary to maintaining flight in extreme emergencies.
Recovery and Continued Service
The aircraft, registration #957 and named Markia Schakim (Sky Blazer), was transported by road from Ramon to a maintenance unit at Tel Nof. After extensive repairs, the aircraft returned to active duty. Its combat record remained impressive; having already claimed four enemy aircraft during the 1982 Lebanon War, Baz 957 went on to claim a shared kill of a Syrian MiG-23 on November 19, 1985.
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Remarkably, the aircraft remained airworthy for decades. More than 41 years after its near-destruction, Baz 957 was recorded as fully operational and involved in the Israeli strikes against Iran on the night of October 25-26, 2024. Originally part of the 106 "Spearhead" Squadron, it later served with the 133 "Knights Of The Twin Tail" Squadron, both based at Tel Nof.
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Incident Summary Table
| Detail | First Aircraft (F-15D) | Second Aircraft (A-4) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | McDonnell Douglas F-15D Eagle | Douglas A-4 Skyhawk |
| Registration/ID | #957 (Markia Schakim) | #374 |
| Squadron | 106 Squadron (IAF) | 116 Squadron (IAF) |
| Crew | 2 (Pilot & Navigator) | 1 (Pilot) |
| Outcome | Survived / Repaired | Destroyed / Pilot Ejected |
| Origin | Tel Nof Airbase | Nevatim Airbase |
Cultural Impact
The incredible feat of landing a one-winged jet has transcended military history to enter popular culture. The incident is referenced in the video game Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War through the character Larry Foulke. Known as "Solo Wing Pixy," Foulke is a mercenary pilot who similarly lands an F-15C after losing a wing, leading to his aircraft's remaining wing being painted red.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was the F-15 able to fly without a wing?
The F-15 survived due to its wide lifting body design, which allows the fuselage to generate significant lift, combined with the immense thrust of its engines. By flying at twice the normal speed, the pilot created enough aerodynamic lift to compensate for the missing wing.
Did any of the crew members die in the collision?
No. All three crew members survived. The A-4 Skyhawk pilot ejected successfully, and the two crew members of the F-15D landed the aircraft safely.
What happened to the F-15 after the accident?
The aircraft was repaired at Tel Nof and returned to service. It continued to fly for over four decades, participating in combat operations as recently as October 2024.
Why didn't the pilot eject immediately?
While the instructor ordered an ejection, pilot Zivi Nedivi decided to attempt a recovery. He was partially unaware of the full extent of the damage because vaporizing fuel obscured the area where the wing had been sheared off.
Where did the landing take place?
The F-15D made its emergency landing at Ramon Airbase, stopping just 20 feet from the end of the runway.