Tehran [Iran], September 2: The Iranian military has officially concluded that severe weather conditions, particularly thick fog, were responsible for the helicopter crash in May this year, which resulted in the death of President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage.
According to a report by IRNA, the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces released its final investigation findings on September 1, reaffirming that adverse weather conditions in northwestern Iran, including dense and rising fog, were the primary factors leading to the crash.
The tragic incident occurred on May 19, 2024, claiming the lives of President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and six others. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Masoud Pezeshkian was elected as Iran’s new president in July 2024.
The military’s report confirmed that all relevant documents, including the helicopter’s maintenance and repair records and its flight recorder, were thoroughly examined. The investigation found no defects in the helicopter, and it was determined that the flight path was correct. The report further ruled out the possibility of the aircraft being targeted by offensive or defensive systems.
Detailed analysis of the helicopter’s flight path indicated that it had remained on its predetermined route without any deviations during the flight. Additionally, experts from the Ministry of Defence conducted extensive tests on parts and systems from the crashed helicopter, including engines, power transmission systems, fuel systems, and electronic equipment. These tests revealed no defects that could have contributed to the crash, the report stated.
The investigation also included toxicological and pathological examinations conducted by a forensic committee on the remains of the victims. The results showed no suspicious findings, further ruling out the possibility of sabotage or the helicopter being targeted by cyber attacks, magnetic fields, or lasers.
In conclusion, the Iranian military’s comprehensive investigation has ruled out foul play, attributing the tragic helicopter crash that claimed President Raisi’s life to inclement weather conditions.
