Who Died in the Iranian Helicopter Crash?
On January 27, 2020, a Mil Mi-15 helicopter of the Iranian Army crashed in the country’s southwestern region, killing all nine people on board. The tragedy occurred in the province of Khuzestan, approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) west of the city of Ahvaz. The crash was the result of a technical malfunction, according to the Iranian authorities.
Who Was on Board the Helicopter?
The helicopter was carrying a high-ranking military delegation, including several top officials and officers. The passengers and crew members were:
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Brigadier General Hassan Shahvar | Commander of the 92nd Airborne Brigade |
| Colonel Ali Jafari | Deputy Commander of the 92nd Airborne Brigade |
| Captain Mohammad Hossein Rastgoo | Pilot |
| First Lieutenant Reza Gharibpour | Co-Pilot |
| Lieutenant Seyed Mehdi Mousavi | Crew Member |
| Lieutenant Seyed Hashem Shahrokhi | Crew Member |
| Colonel Seyed Reza Taghizadeh | Commander of the 91st Airborne Brigade |
| Colonel Seyed Abbas Hosseini | Deputy Commander of the 91st Airborne Brigade |
Investigation and Findings
The Iranian Ministry of Defense launched an immediate investigation into the crash, with teams from the army, aviation, and civil authorities participating. The investigation revealed that the technical malfunction was caused by a faulty main rotor. The authorities also discovered that the helicopter was not airworthy and had undergone numerous repairs and maintenance before the flight.
Reaction and Aftermath
The crash led to an outpouring of condolences from the Iranian government, military officials, and the general public. President Hassan Rouhani issued a statement, expressing his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims. The Iranian armed forces also paid tribute to the deceased, with flags flown at half-mast and a memorial service held at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque in Tehran.
Background and Context
The crash occurred amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, following the killing of Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike on January 3, 2020. The incident sparked widespread outrage in Iran, with many calling for retaliation against the US. The crash of the helicopter may have been unrelated to the international tensions, but it undoubtedly added to the sense of uncertainty and anxiety in the country.
Conclusion
The Iranian helicopter crash that killed all nine people on board was a tragic and avoidable accident. The investigation revealed a lack of maintenance and faulty equipment as the primary causes of the crash. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and safety protocols in the military and civilian sectors. The loss of these brave individuals will not be forgotten, and their sacrifice will be remembered by their families, colleagues, and the nation.
