Iran - September 01, 2024

Storyline:
The helicopter crash that killed former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in May was primarily caused by bad weather including thick fog, Iran's state television said on Sunday, citing the final investigation report on the fatal incident.

The General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces released the report, stating that the technical, engineering, electronic, and navigation aspects of the helicopter were thoroughly examined. The findings confirmed that all procedures and measures adhered to established standards and regulations before and during the flight.

The report ruled out deviations from the flight route, incorrect route information, and external interference as factors in the crash. It also noted that the pilot did not report any emergency situation, and forensic examinations revealed no evidence of foul play or an attack.

The probe attributed the crash to the region's "complicated climatic and atmospheric conditions during spring," which led to the formation of dense fog and caused the helicopter to crash into a mountain.

Raisi, along with his companions including former Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, died when their helicopter crashed in a mountainous area in the northwestern East Azarbaijan province on May 19.

Shotlist:
FILE: Tehran, Iran - Date Unknown :
1. Iranian national flag;
FILE: Tehran, Iran - May 20, 2024:
2. Iranians mourning former President Ebrahim Raisi, former Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, other victims of helicopter crash;
3. Various of posters showing portraits of Raisi, other victims of helicopter crash;
4. Various of mourners holding posters showing Raisi's portrait;
FILE: Tehran, Iran - April 10, 2023:
5. Various of Iranian national flag, cityscape, traffic.

[Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland/Al-Arabiya/Persian language TV Stations outside Iran. Strictly No access BBC Persian/VOA Persian/Manoto TV/Iran International TV]