A tragic helicopter crash that killed Iran’s former President Ebrahim Raisi on May 19, 2024, was caused by severe weather conditions, that included thick fog, Iran’s state TV said on Sunday, citing the final investigation report on the incident.
The report, compiled by the Supreme Board of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, concluded that thick fog and challenging climatic conditions led to the pilot losing control of the aircraft.
“The main reason of the helicopter crash was complicated weather conditions in the region,” the final report concluded, according to Iran’s state TV.
The helicopter, which was carrying Raisi and several other high-ranking officials, crashed in the East Azerbaijan province.
A preliminary report by Iran’s military had said in May that no evidence of foul play or an attack had been found during the investigation.
“Signs of gunshot or similar were not observed in the wreckage of the helicopter (which) crashed in an area in high altitude and burst into flames.
“Nothing suspicious has been observed in the control tower’s conversations with the flight crew,” the report issued by the armed forces general staff said in May.
Raisi was widely considered to be a hardliner in Iranian politics and was a member of the Principalists faction. He was considered by many as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The former President was one of nine Iranian officials listed in November 2019 subjected to sanctions by the United States Department of State due to alleged human rights abuses.
He was accused of crimes against humanity by international human rights organizations and United Nations special rapporteurs.
According to the investigation report, there were no signs of sabotage in parts and systems of the helicopter.