Top Iranian Officials in One Helicopter: Were Flight Protocols Followed?
The helicopter crash in which Iranian resident Ibrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdullahiyan lost their lives raises many questions . So far, no official statement has been made about how and why the incident happened . Experts say that flight protocols were not fully followed.
No official statement has yet been made about the cause of the helicopter crash that killed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdullahi . However, it is worth noting the preliminary opinions of experts on whether flight protocols were followed in this crash. Because the use of a helicopter in such weather and terrain conditions indicates that some instructions and requirements have not been followed.
Naturally, many questions arose after the accident. Why are helicopters allowed to fly in foggy weather? Is it okay for high-ranking officials to be in the same helicopter? What was the helicopter's condition and maintenance procedures?
TRT Haber Aviation expert , Aydin Adnan Menderes University professor Huseyin Chelik was asked similar questions . Çelik assessed both technical aspects of the incident and important points related to flight safety.
In general, high-ranking officials fly different planes in terms of x immunity. However, this is not an international rule and procedures may vary from country to country.
Can helicopters fly in fog?
The area where the incident took place is quite hilly and has severe weather conditions. Huseyin Celik said, "It is dangerous to take off helicopters in foggy weather at all" and continues as follows:
" The refusal to allow helicopters to fly depends on the weather conditions, the skill of the pilot and the equipment of the helicopter. Helicopters usually prefer to fly in visual flight conditions ( VFR ). However , instrument flight conditions (IFR) may be required in low visibility conditions , such as in foggy weather. IFR allows airplanes and helicopters to fly without looking out, relying only on instruments .
" It is not right for high-ranking officials to fly in the same helicopter "
Professor Hossein Chelik stated that it is dangerous for the resident of Iran and the minister of foreign affairs to be in the same helicopter. But he also makes another point:
"Usually, high-ranking people fly in different planes for security reasons. However, this is not an international rule and may differ from country to country . I don't know if Iran has a specific protocol on this issue, but it is not appropriate for them to fly in the same helicopter . "
" It was a big mistake for them to go by helicopter "
The expert also touched on what the conditions for flying a helicopter should actually be.
"It was a big mistake for them to go in a helicopter, they should have flown in a plane. Helicopters usually prefer to fly under VFR conditions. In IFR conditions, you rely on instruments. Iranian aviation authorities should release information on whether the helicopter was flying under VFR or IFR in this crash. However, judging by the crash, they most likely flew under VFR conditions and should not have flown in foggy weather."
"Helicopter maintenance and pilot experience should be questioned"
Hossein Chelik said that Iran has been under the American embargo for a long time, which has led to a shortage of spare parts.
" Helicopter maintenance and the experience of the pilot should also be questioned , " Chelik said . "Factors such as electronic jamming should also be considered. Electron jamming is used to disrupt aircraft devices and systems, and this possibility should also be considered in this crash."
"Helicopters usually fly low and it's dangerous. Also, did three helicopters fly together? Why did the helicopter carrying the president and the minister of foreign affairs crash?"
" Failure to comply with aviation rules is inevitable"
The professor noted that helicopters should not be selected in bad weather conditions . According to him, the pilot should have checked weather conditions and meteorological data before the flight. " Flying in cloudy and mountainous terrain is dangerous, and if the rules of aviation are not followed, the crash is inevitable ," he said.
