An Iranian military helicopter crashed into a crowded fruit and vegetable market in central Iran on Tuesday, killing at least four people, according to official reports.
The crash happened in the town of Dorcheh in Isfahan province, about 330 kilometers south of Tehran. Military officials said the helicopter was carrying out a routine training flight when it lost control and went down in the busy market area.
The pilot and co-pilot died in the crash. The helicopter hit people on the ground, killing two civilians who were at the market.
Emergency teams arrived within minutes. They secured the area, removed debris, and carried out recovery efforts. Authorities have launched an investigation to identify the exact cause of the crash.
Dorcheh lies in Isfahan province, a region that holds major military facilities, including an important air base. The province also contains sensitive nuclear infrastructure, making it a key strategic area for Iran’s defense operations.
Military officials confirmed that the helicopter was conducting a standard training exercise. Training flights remain essential for pilot readiness, but accidents during such missions can result in serious consequences.
The crash came less than a week after another military aircraft accident in Iran. On Thursday, an F-4 fighter jet crashed near the western city of Hamedan during a nighttime training exercise.
One pilot died in that incident. The second pilot survived after ejecting safely before the aircraft hit the ground.
The back-to-back crashes have raised fresh concerns about the safety of Iran’s aircraft fleet. Many of the country’s helicopters and planes have remained in service for decades.
International sanctions have limited Iran’s ability to buy newer aircraft and spare parts. As a result, both military and civilian operators continue to rely heavily on older equipment.
Aviation experts say aging aircraft need frequent maintenance. Technical problems become more likely as aircraft grow older, especially during training flights.
Iran also faced a major helicopter tragedy in May 2024. The crash claimed the lives of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and several other top officials.
That aircraft was a Bell 212 helicopter. The model has been in operation for many years and remains part of Iran’s aging fleet.
Investigators are now examining technical systems, maintenance history, and flight conditions to determine what caused the Dorcheh crash. Authorities expect the investigation to provide more details in the coming days.
