Iranian Prez Helicopter Crash: Know details of US-made Bell 212 Chopper, what led to the crash?

In a major mishap, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was killed as his helicopter crashed on May 19 near Azerbaijan border. The tragic accident also claimed the lives of Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian and several other officials. The major tragedy occurred when Prez Raisi was returning from ceremony to open a dam on Iran’s border with Azerbaijan. While bad weather is being ruled as reason behind mishap, questions are also being raised about the US-manufactured copter. The copter that carried the Iranian President was US-manufactured Bell 212 model, Iranian state media reported. According to reports by experts, the few details available suggested it may be 40 to 50 years old. Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev raised questions on chopper’s maintenance amid US sanctions on Iran. Iran was major purchaser of Bell, Agusta helicopters under the Shah, becoming Middle East’s largest military helicopter power. As per FlightGlobal’s 2024 World Air Forces directory, Iran’s air force, navy have as many as 10 Bell 212 copters. Iran’s current fleet includes an Italian-built naval version, Agusta Bell AB-212, according to IISS. Non-military organisations that fly Bell 212 include Japan’s CG; law enforcement agencies, fire departments in US, Thailand’s national police.