Tragedy Narrowly Avoided

Israeli jets almost shot down a passenger plane after a communications failure sent the fighter jets scrambling to intercept the 'rogue' passenger plane. Communications were restored in the nick of time, and the fighter jets intercepted and diverted the plane over the ocean for a stern talking to and to allow time for the pilots to change their pants.

JERUSALEM — Israel air force fighter planes scrambled Wednesday to intercept a U.S. airliner after it lost communications with air controllers, security officials said.

The Continental passenger plane was flying in from the U.S. when it lost contact. Following anti-terror procedures, two Israeli warplanes intercepted the plane and guided it back over the Mediterranean Sea until communications were restored, Channel 10 TV reported.

When it was determined that there were no problems on board and the pilot was in control, the plane was allowed to land at Israel's international airport, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the incident.

Israeli media reported later Wednesday that the air force planes were close to opening fire on the airliner when it restored contact. The pilot was interrogated after landing.

IAG Blog has more.