Iranian army helicopter crash kills four during training mission in Isfahan

2026-02-24 - 11:12

Four people died Tuesday when an Iranian army helicopter crashed inside a wholesale fruit and vegetable market compound in Dorcheh, Isfahan province, local media reported. The aircraft was conducting a training mission at the time of the accident, according to Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency. Casualties and Incident Details The crash claimed the lives of both the pilot and co-pilot, along with two civilians working at market stalls within the compound where the helicopter came down. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but all four individuals were pronounced dead. The market area sustained damage from the impact, though no additional injuries were immediately reported among other workers or bystanders. Investigation Underway Authorities have not officially announced the cause of the crash, which occurred during what military officials described as a routine training exercise. Investigators are expected to examine mechanical factors, potential pilot error, and environmental conditions as they work to determine what led to the fatal incident. The crash adds to a history of aviation accidents involving Iranian military aircraft, which have faced challenges maintaining aging fleets due to international sanctions limiting access to spare parts and new equipment.