9 fatalities

2024-05-19: 2024 Varzaqan helicopter crash — Iran

Iran

On May 19, 2024, a 2024 Varzaqan helicopter crash was involved in an aviation accident near Iran. 9 people were killed. The investigation identified controlled flight into terrain as a causal factor. This summary draws on records from Wikidata contributors.

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On May 19, 2024, an Iranian Air Force Bell 212 helicopter crashed near Uzi, East Azerbaijan, killing President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister, and five others. The aircraft was part of a three-helicopter convoy traveling from the Giz Galasi Dam to Tabriz.

Introduction

On 19 May 2024, an Iranian Air Force Bell 212 helicopter crashed near the village of Uzi in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. The helicopter was one of three aircraft in a convoy traveling from the Giz Galasi Dam to Tabriz. All eight individuals on board died in the accident.

Helicopter and Operation

The Bell 212 is a twin-engine utility helicopter operated by the Iranian Air Force. It was part of a three-helicopter convoy. The purpose of the trip and specific flight conditions have not been detailed in the available source.

Victims

The deceased include President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Governor-General of East Azerbaijan Malek Rahmati, representative of the supreme leader in East Azerbaijan Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, the head of the president's security team, and three flight crew members. All occupants were killed in the crash.

Contributing factors

controlled flight into terrain