Iranian Army Helicopter Crashes in Isfahan, Four Killed

An Iranian Army helicopter crashed into a crowded fruit market in the central province of Isfahan Province on Tuesday, killing four people, according to state media reports. The incident occurred in the city of Dorcheh, where the aircraft went down suddenly, triggering a fire that engulfed parts of the marketplace.

Authorities confirmed that the pilot, co-pilot, and two local merchants lost their lives in the crash. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene and managed to extinguish the blaze after several hours. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as thick smoke rose above the market area, forcing nearby shopkeepers and residents to flee for safety.

Concerns Over Iran’s Air Safety Record

The crash has once again raised serious concerns about Iran’s aviation safety standards. Analysts frequently point to the country’s aging fleet, much of which includes aircraft purchased before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. International sanctions over the decades have limited Iran’s access to original spare parts and modern aviation technology, contributing to maintenance challenges.

Just last week, a US-built McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II operated by Iran’s regular air force crashed during a training flight in Hamadan Province, killing one pilot.

In May 2024, a helicopter carrying former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was involved in a fatal “crash upon landing” in the mountainous region of Varzaqan amid severe weather conditions.

These repeated incidents continue to fuel debate over aviation safety oversight and the urgent need for modernization within Iran’s military and civilian air fleets.