Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu stated that the Bell-212 helicopter transporting Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian lacked an active signal system or did not have one at all. He also noted that Turkey, being host to an emergency research coordination centre for aviation accidents, holds responsibility for Iran within its jurisdiction. 

"We attempted to detect a signal from the helicopter, but regrettably, it appears that either the signal system was deactivated, or the helicopter lacked such a system altogether, as we were unable to detect any signal," Uraloglu stated. Turkey confirmed receiving a request for assistance from Iran on Sunday night to locate the signal. "As per standard procedure upon request, we conducted a signal check, but no signal was detected," an official reported. 

The official refrained from specifying whether the helicopter was outfitted with the signal system or if it lacked the latest technological advancements. Additionally, they couldn't verify whether the system had been deactivated for security purposes. 

"It's imperative for all aircraft, particularly those transporting state officials, to be equipped with this system," the official emphasised. 

Former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif attributed the crash to ongoing US sanctions, which have hindered the sale of aviation parts. 

Regarding Zarif's comment, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, "Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the Iranian government for choosing to operate a 45-year-old helicopter in adverse weather conditions, rather than any other party." 

A large-scale search and rescue mission commenced on 19th May afternoon after two helicopters accompanying Raisi's convoy lost communication with his aircraft amidst severe weather conditions in the mountainous area. 

Early on 20th May, Iranian state-run news agencies reported his death, stating, "Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi, servant of the Iranian nation, has attained the highest level of martyrdom," accompanied by images of him. 

Alongside the Iranian President, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, members of East Azerbaijan's provincial authorities, and his security team were tragically killed in the crash. 

Iran's military chief of staff, Mohammad Bagheri, has ordered an investigation into the crash to determine its cause. 

Originally developed by Bell Helicopter, now known as Bell Textron, the aircraft was created for the Canadian military in the late 1960s as an upgrade to the UH-1 Iroquois. This new design incorporated two turboshaft engines instead of one, enhancing its carrying capacity. Introduced in 1971, it swiftly garnered adoption by the militaries of both the United States and Canada. 

The Bell 212 is versatile, capable of various tasks such as passenger transport, firefighting operations, cargo transportation, and weapon mounting. 

The Iranian helicopter involved in Sunday's tragic crash was specifically configured for government passengers. However, the latest iteration, the Subaru Bell 412, is marketed for a broader range of uses including police operations, medical evacuation, troop transport, servicing the energy sector, and firefighting. According to certification documents from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, it is capable of carrying up to 15 individuals, including the crew. 

Image Source: India Today