The helicopter crash that claimed the life of Iran’s late President Ebrahim Raisi in May was caused by adverse weather conditions and the helicopter’s inability to handle its weight load, according to a report from Iran’s semi-official news agency, Fars, released on Wednesday. The report cites a security source informed of the final investigation results.
The Armed Forces General Staff, which oversees crash investigations, refuted the report, calling it “completely false,” as per state media. However, the security source insisted that the investigation had been concluded, and it determined that the crash was an accident.
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The source explained that two primary factors were identified: unsuitable weather conditions and the helicopter being overloaded beyond its capacity, which led to its crash into a mountain. The helicopter reportedly carried two more people than allowed by security protocols.
The crash occurred in mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border, claiming the life of Raisi, who was once considered a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Despite initial reports ruling out foul play or an attack, the final investigation reinforces the conclusion that the incident was purely accidental.