Iranian Air Force F-4 Fighter Jet Crashes During Night Training in Hamadan; One Pilot Killed
An F-4 Phantom II fighter jet operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) crashed during a night training mission in Hamadan Province, leaving one of the two pilots dead. Iranian state media reported that the aircraft went down during a routine overnight exercise, confirming that one crew member was killed while the second pilot survived.
The incident occurred in the Nowbaran area of Hamadan Province in western Iran. Authorities stated that emergency and rescue teams were deployed immediately after the crash was reported. According to official accounts, the jet was conducting a scheduled training flight when it encountered problems that led to the accident. The cause of the crash has not yet been disclosed, and officials have confirmed that a formal investigation is currently underway.
Iranian media identified the deceased as Second Brigadier Pilot Mehdi Firouzmand, a senior air force officer. State outlets and social media platforms have published tributes describing him as an experienced and committed aviator who died while performing his duties. The surviving pilot reportedly ejected successfully and was transferred to a medical facility. While no detailed medical update has been released, reports indicate that he survived the crash.
The aircraft involved was a McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, a twin-engine, two-seat fighter jet originally developed in the United States during the Cold War. Iran acquired its F-4 fleet in the 1960s and 1970s, prior to the 1979 revolution, and the aircraft continue to serve in both training and operational roles. The F-4 is typically flown by two crew members, including a pilot and a rear-seat officer responsible for navigation and weapons systems.
The continued deployment of the F-4 fleet reflects ongoing structural challenges within Iran’s military aviation sector. Decades of sanctions have restricted Iran’s access to modern aircraft and certified spare parts, compelling the air force to try to maintain and upgrade older platforms. Aviation analysts note that aging airframes, structural fatigue, and limited access to original components can elevate operational risk, particularly during demanding missions such as night training flights.
Night flight training are widely regarded as one of the more complex forms of military aviation practice. Reduced visibility, heavy reliance on instruments, and intricate maneuvering requirements can increase risk even under routine conditions. However, officials have not specified whether mechanical failure, weather conditions, pilot error, or other factors contributed to this crash. The IRIAF has stated that technical teams will review flight data and wreckage evidence to determine the precise cause.
The accident occurred amid a period of heightened regional tension and increased military activity in the Middle East. Despite speculation in some external commentary, Iranian authorities have provided no indication that the crash was related to external military engagement, consistently describing the incident as a training accident.