Military aircraft crashes claim lives worldwide in multiple incidents

Policy

Simple Flying | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Dec 1, 2024

The year 2024 has been marked by several military aviation accidents across the globe. Among the most notable incidents was a tragic crash on May 19 involving an Iranian Air Force Bell 212 helicopter near Varzaghan in Iran. The helicopter, which carried high-profile figures including Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, crashed due to adverse weather conditions. All eight occupants perished.

In another incident, a Malawian Defense Force Dornier 228 disappeared over Chikangawa Forest Reserve on June 10. Onboard were nine people, including Vice President Saulos Chilima. The aircraft was en route to Mzuzu Airport from Lilongwe when it lost communication. Search operations led to the discovery of the wreckage, confirming no survivors.

A mid-air collision occurred on August 14 between two Dassault Rafale jets of the French Air Force near Colombey-les-Belles in France. Two pilots died while one managed to eject safely. French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu stated: “One of the pilots has been found, he is safe and sound.”

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On September 8, a Salvadoran Air Force Bell UH-1 Iroquois crashed in El Salvador during poor weather conditions, killing all nine onboard, including Mauricio Arriaza Chicas, Director of the National Civil Police.

Lastly, on October 15, an EA-18G Growler from US Navy Electronic Attack Squadron 130 crashed near Mount Rainier in Washington during training exercises. After extensive search efforts spanning five days, both crew members were declared dead. Timothy Warburton of VAQ-130 expressed condolences: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of two beloved Zappers.”