Iran releases preliminary report! Why did Raisi's helicopter crash?

The General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces has released the results of a preliminary investigation into the helicopter crash that killed President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and their companions.

According to the official Iranian news agency IRNA, the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces published the preliminary report from the commission investigating the scope and causes of the crash.

The report noted that technical and general information and findings regarding the accident have been collected and evaluated, and stated that more time is needed to assess certain data.

The shared preliminary assessment report stated that the helicopter continued on its pre-determined route and did not deviate from its flight path, and that the pilot had communicated with the pilots of the other two helicopters one and a half minutes before the crash.

FIRE BROKE OUT IN THE HELICOPTER

The report stated that no traces of bullets or similar external objects were found on the parts of the crashed helicopter, and noted that a fire broke out in the helicopter after the impact.

Pointing out that the rugged terrain and the cold, foggy weather caused the search and rescue operations to be prolonged, the report stated that the crash site could only be reached toward morning.

The report also stated that no suspicious circumstances were encountered during the control tower's communications with the flight crew.

It was announced that the final results of the investigation will be shared once the examination is complete.