Tehran, February 21 - An incident occurred in Iran's western Hamadan province when an Iranian Air Force fighter jet crashed during a routine nighttime training mission, resulting in the death of one pilot. The accident took place on Thursday evening after the aircraft departed from Shahid Nojeh Air Base near Hamadan. State media, including broadcaster IRIB, confirmed that the plane went down while conducting standard training exercises, highlighting the risks inherent in military aviation operations even during peacetime activities.
The deceased pilot has been identified as Mehdi Firoozmand, an experienced instructor in the combat crew training squadron. He was operating the two-seat fighter jet, reported by multiple sources as an F-4 Phantom II, alongside a second pilot who survived the crash and received medical attention. Authorities emphasized that the surviving crew member was safely recovered following the incident, though details on their condition remain limited.
Iranian military officials have promptly launched a formal investigation to determine the precise cause of the Iran fighter jet crash in Hamadan province. Preliminary reports indicate no evidence of external interference or hostile action, pointing instead toward possible technical or operational factors. Such probes are standard procedure for aviation accidents involving Iranian Air Force assets, particularly given the age of some aircraft in the fleet and the demanding nature of night flying maneuvers.
This latest military aircraft accident underscores ongoing challenges faced by Iran's aviation forces in maintaining readiness amid regional tensions. The loss of a skilled pilot like Mehdi Firoozmand serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by personnel in defense training programs. Officials have expressed condolences to the family of the fallen aviator while reaffirming their commitment to safety enhancements in future operations.
