In light of the recent helicopter crash that resulted in death of the Iranian President and several other government members, we can remember the list of global leaders who died in aviation crashes. The following are eminent political figures of more recent times who lost their lives to aircraft accidents.
Sebastián Piñera Echenique, President of Chile:
In February 2024 at the age of 74, while piloting a helicopter, the President crashed into a lake and died. 3 others who were aboard the aircraft survived somehow.
Lech Aleksander Kaczyński, President of Poland
In April of 2010, the President died in a plane crash. No one inside the aircraft survived the incident. As per Russian reports, this accident is partially because the pilot actively ignored control-centre’s advice to land on another airport. Following it’s initial route, the plane crashed into tress in thick fog and low visibility.
Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, President of Pakistan
In August 1988 while travelling from Bahawalpur Airport to Islamabad International Airport, the control tower lost contact with the aeroplane. Soon after, the plane began to fly eratically until it finally crashed. 29 other individuals including the American Ambassador to Pakistan, Brigadier Siddique Salik etc. were all killed in the accident.
Samora Moisés Machel, President of Mozambique
President Samora died in October 1986 after his plane crashed into a hillside in Mbuzini. His aircraft Tupolev 134 entered into a military sensitive area in South Africa, however he was not notified that the plane was off course and heading in another direction. Consequently, his plane went down without external assistance, resulting in death.
Portugese Prime Minister FranciscoSá Carneiro
The Portuguese Prime Minister passed away in 1980, in an aeroplane crash. In December 1980, he was on his way to an election rally from the Lisbon Airport. Soon after his aeroplane took off, he crashed into a building. Witnesses reported that the aircraft almost immediately disintegrated after it took off, suggesting conspiracy. Correspondingly rumours began to spread that the acciddent was infact an assassination. However, no evidence has ever been discovered to investigate. The Airport where the PM was heading in Porto was named after him, “Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport” as a tribute.
Ebrahim Raisi now enlists in this category after his tragic incident at the border of Azerbaijan on 20 May, 2024.
