What we know of the chopper that crashed with Iran's President on board

Bell 212 helicopter

Iran's President, Ebrahim Raisi, found himself in a harrowing situation when the Bell 212 helicopter he was traveling in crashed near the Azerbaijan border. The wreckage was discovered after a strenuous overnight search amid harsh weather conditions.

The Bell 212 helicopters, commonly known as the civilian version of the UH-1N "Twin Huey," have a global presence, serving both governmental and private purposes:

Origins and Uses:
Bell Helicopter, now Bell Textron, a division of Textron Inc., developed the Bell 212 for the Canadian military in the late 1960s as an upgrade to the original UH-1 Iroquois. This enhanced design featured two turboshaft engines, providing increased carrying capacity. The helicopter was introduced in 1971 and swiftly adopted by the United States and Canada for various military applications.

Applications:
As a utility helicopter denoted by the UH in its military designation, the Bell 212 is engineered to adapt to diverse scenarios, including personnel transport, aerial firefighting, cargo transport, and weapon deployment. The model involved in the recent crash was configured for governmental passenger transport. Bell Helicopter promotes its latest iteration, the Subaru Bell 412, for a wide range of purposes, including police operations, medical evacuation, troop transport, energy sector support, and firefighting. Certified to carry up to 15 individuals, including the crew, it boasts versatility and utility.

Operators:
Numerous non-military entities worldwide employ the Bell 212, including Japan's Coast Guard, law enforcement agencies, and fire departments in the United States, as well as Thailand's national police. While the exact number operated by the Iranian government remains uncertain, FlightGlobal's 2024 World Air Forces directory indicates that Iran's air force and navy collectively possess ten Bell 212 helicopters.

Incidents:
Tragically, the Bell 212 has experienced its share of accidents. The most recent fatal crash involving this model occurred in September 2023 when a privately operated helicopter crashed off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, the Flight Safety Foundation's database records another incident in Iran in 2018, resulting in the loss of four lives.

In conclusion, the recent crash involving Iran's President underscores the significance of helicopter safety and maintenance protocols. As investigations into the cause of the accident unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with aviation operations, even with well-established aircraft models like the Bell 212.