Iran Confirms Weather as Cause of Fatal Presidential Helicopter Crash

Iran's military confirmed that inclement weather, including thick fog, caused the helicopter crash in May which killed President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage. No mechanical faults or sabotage were detected. The final report dismisses all alternative crash theories after a comprehensive investigation.

Iran's military has concluded that adverse weather conditions, notably dense fog, led to the tragic helicopter crash in May that claimed the lives of President Ebrahim Raisi and his team. The final report, released on September 1 by the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces via IRNA, corroborates earlier findings that severe weather in northwestern Iran was the primary cause of the deadly incident.

The crash occurred on May 19, 2024, killing Raisi and seven others, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Following the loss, Masoud Pezeshkian assumed the presidency in July. Investigators thoroughly reviewed the helicopter's maintenance records, flight path, and black box, concluding there were no mechanical faults and the aircraft had not deviated from its route.

Further examinations involved testing parts of the helicopter, such as its engines, fuel systems, and electronic equipment, which showed no defects. Additionally, a forensic committee found no evidence of toxic or pathological anomalies in the victims' remains. The investigation also ruled out possible sabotage or assault by offensive and defensive systems, cyber attacks, or magnetic fields, according to the military report.

(With inputs from agencies.)