How Did the Helicopter Crash in Iran?
On January 8, 2020, a Ukrainian Boeing 737 commercial airliner, Flight PS752, crashed just minutes after takeoff from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport, killing all 176 people on board. The tragic event was initially attributed to a missile strike, with both the Ukrainian and Iranian governments confirming that the plane was shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile.
What Happened Leading Up to the Crash?
The crash occurred on the morning of January 8, 2020, just as Iran was conducting military strikes against American military targets in Iraq in response to the US assassination of Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani the previous day. The missile strike that downed the plane was reportedly launched by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as part of its military operations.
The Iranian Response
Iran initially denied responsibility for the crash, instead blaming a mechanical failure or a hijacking attempt for the disaster. However, as international pressure mounted, the Iranian government was forced to acknowledge that the plane had been shot down.
Investigation and Response
A joint investigation was launched by Ukraine, Iran, and Canada, with the UK and the United States also providing technical assistance. The investigation found that the plane was struck by an SA-15 Gauntlet surface-to-air missile, which was fired from a military base near Tehran.
Key Findings
- The investigation concluded that the missile was fired at 2:04 AM local time, just 4 minutes and 12 seconds after the plane took off.
- The missile was launched from a military base located approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) northwest of the airport.
- The plane was flying at an altitude of approximately 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) at the time of the incident.
- The crash occurred in a rural area about 20 kilometers (12 miles) southwest of Tehran.
Timeline of Events
Here is a detailed timeline of the events surrounding the crash:
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 11:14 PM (local time) | The Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 takes off from Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran. |
| 2:04 AM (local time) | The plane is struck by an SA-15 Gauntlet surface-to-air missile. |
| 2:06 AM (local time) | The plane crashes in a rural area about 20 kilometers (12 miles) southwest of Tehran. |
| 2:15 AM (local time) | Iranian authorities respond to the crash, sending emergency services and rescue teams to the scene. |
| 4:00 AM (local time) | Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is briefed on the situation and acknowledges that the plane has been shot down. |
| 10:00 AM (local time) | The Iranian government officially confirms that the plane was shot down by a missile. |
| 12:00 PM (local time) | Ukraine and Iran jointly announce the results of their investigation, concluding that the plane was struck by an SA-15 Gauntlet surface-to-air missile. |
Conclusion
The downing of Flight PS752 was a tragic and devastating event that highlighted the dangers of military escalation and the importance of clear communication and transparency in the face of crisis. As the world continues to mourn the loss of the 176 lives lost in this tragedy, it is clear that the investigation and response to the crash have shed important light on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
