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Iran: Armed Forces Official Explains Cause of C-130 Plane Crash

Posted on: Thursday, 15 December 2005, 06:00 CST

Text of report by Iranian newspaper Kayhan website on 12 December

The deputy head of the cultural and defence propaganda department of the Armed Forces General Staff issued a statement in response to conjectures by some media and individuals on the cause of the C-130 plane incident.

Brig Ali Reza Afshar said in relation with the plane's technical fault: The pilot who reported a technical fault and postponed flight until the problem was solved was not replaced, and it was the same pilot (martyr Capt Babak Gowhari) who flew that plane. Meanwhile, the pilot had complained about the VOR navigation system which was repaired. This instrument had nothing to do with the engine break- down.

He added: Some eight minutes after take-off, the plane developed a problem in one of the engines. The pilot, who could have continued the flight with three engines, requested to return to the take-off point (Mehrabad Airport) for precautionary measures. No problem was recorded up to three kilometres from Mehrabad Airport. Afshar stressed: The incident, which took place three kilometres from Mehrabad Airport was due to another technical problem and was possibly the pilot's fault. This will be clarified once the technical examinations are carried out by experts.

Noting that the same plane had carried out a 17-hour flight two days prior to the incident without facing any problems, he went on to clarify questions on why a military plane was used to transport journalists, and said: A C-130 is more trustworthy than a civilian aircraft. Similar planes are also used in other parts of the world to transport some officials and VIPs.

He added: After the revolution, military planes have been involved in 50 per cent fewer incidents that non-military (civilian) planes.

C-130s are used for transporting materiel, arms, and manpower. These planes usually carry out three flights per week to the country's southern areas. Had this incident not taken place for the (civilian and military) journalists, it would have taken place for the members and families of the Armed Forces.

He remarked: The plane that was involved in the accident had permission to carry out in excess of 2,500 hours until its overhaul (basic repairs).

Afshar complained about some of the news sites and newspapers that rely on rumours and unconfirmed and non-technical reports, thus sparking anxiety among the people and causing displeasure among the mourning families and asked them to publish reports that come from official sources.

Source: BBC Monitoring Middle East

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