The helicopter crash that tragically claimed the lives of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian on May 19 was primarily attributed to challenging weather conditions, according to the final investigation report released by Iranian state television. The report, citing the Supreme Board of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, highlighted the role of complicated atmospheric conditions in the region as the main contributing factor to the crash.
The report detailed that the helicopter encountered a sudden surge of dense fog during its flight, leading to a collision with a mountain in a remote mountainous area near the Azerbaijan border. The investigation team thoroughly examined the wreckage and ruled out any signs of sabotage or malicious intent. They conducted extensive testing of the helicopter’s systems, including engines, power transmission, fuel systems, and electronics, by experts from the Ministry of Defence, confirming their integrity.
Furthermore, the possibility of the helicopter being targeted by offensive or defensive systems was completely dismissed. A forensic committee conducted toxicological and pathological tests on the remains of the victims, revealing no suspicious findings. The investigation report also noted that the helicopter adhered to its planned flight path and did not deviate from its course.
The Iranian army had previously stated in May that they found no evidence of criminal activity in the crash. The wreckage was discovered on the morning of May 20, following the incident. President Raisi was laid to rest at the Imam Reza Mausoleum in Mashhad, his hometown, on May 23.
