2003 Iran Ilyushin Il-76 crash

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On 19 February 2003, an Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft crashed into mountainous terrain near Kerman in Iran. The plane, operated by the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and bearing registration Template:IRIAF serial, was en route from Zahedan to Kerman when it went down approximately 35 kilometres (22 mi; 19 nmi) southeast of Kerman. The flight carried personnel from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, a specialized unit separate from the regular Iranian Army, on a mission that was not publicly disclosed.

At the time of the disappearance from radar, strong winds were reported in the vicinity of the crash site. Local residents reported hearing a significant explosion coinciding with the aircraft’s loss of contact. All 275 individuals on board perished in the accident. As of 2026, this event ranks as the second deadliest aviation disaster within Iran, surpassed only by Iran Air Flight 655, and stands as the most fatal incident involving an Il-76 aircraft.

Accident

The Il-76 was conducting a flight between Zahedan Airport and Kerman Airport, transporting members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on an undisclosed operation. After encountering deteriorating weather conditions, communication with air traffic control ceased at approximately 5:30 pm.

The aircraft ultimately impacted the Sirch mountain range located southeast of Kerman, roughly 500 miles (800 km) southeast of Tehran, resulting in total loss of life among those onboard.

Recovery and aftermath

Shortly following the incident, personnel from the Revolutionary Guards alongside members of the Red Crescent were dispatched to the crash location. Attempts by two helicopters to access the site were thwarted by adverse weather conditions, forcing them to turn back. A perimeter was established around the area, restricting entry to media representatives and civilians.

The cabinet led by President Mohammad Khatami issued condolences to the families affected by this "tragic event in which a group of IRGC brothers"—members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps—lost their lives. Additionally, Iranian officials attributed part of the cause to U.S. sanctions against Iran, arguing that these constraints hinder Iran’s ability to properly service its aircraft.

Investigations concluded that the crash was likely a controlled flight into terrain, influenced by worsening weather and strong winds. Due to the unusually large death toll—since the Il-76 typically carries fewer than 200 passengers—there was conjecture about a possible mid-air collision. Furthermore, a group identified as the Abu-Bakr Brigades claimed responsibility for causing the disaster.

See also

• 2005 Iranian Air Force C-130 crash
• 2018 Algerian Air Force Il-76 crash
• Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision, which involved an Il-76 and a Boeing 747, resulting in a greater number of fatalities

External links

• Template:ASN accident