Tragic Ends: 7 Political Leaders who lost lives in helicopter CRASHES

Ebrahim Raisi’s (2024)

A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the foreign minister, and other dignitaries reportedly crashed in Irans mountainous northwest on Sunday. Ebrahim Raisi was traveling in Irans East Azerbaijan region when his helicopter made a hard landing in Jofla city, which borders Azerbaijan.

Sebastián Piñera (2024)

Former Chilean President Sebastián Piñera, the countrys first conservative leader since a military dictatorship, died in a helicopter crash. Mr. Piñera, a billionaire businessman and investor, was Chiles president for two terms, from 2010 to 2014 and 2018-2022.

Dorjee Khandu ( 2011)

Dorjee Khandu, the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, died on April 30, 2011, after his helicopter crashed in a deep forested area while flying from Tawang to Itanagar. Khandus helicopter lost contact 20 minutes after passing near the Sela Pass, which is approximately 13,000 feet above sea level.

YS Rajasekhara Reddy (2009)

In 2009, Andhra Pradeshs two-time chief minister, YS Rajasekhara Reddy, died in a helicopter crash near Rudrakonda Hill. His helicopter was missing for about 24 hours. A large rescue mission was initiated to locate the helicopter.

Madhavrao Scindia (2001)

Senior Congress leader Madhavrao Scindia and six others were killed when their private plane crashed on the borders of Mainpuri district, 172 kilometers from Kanpur, in September 2001. Scindia, who began his political career in 1971 by winning the Guna parliamentary seat in Madhya Pradesh as an independent supported by the Jana Sangh, died at the age of 56.

Sanjay Gandhi (1980)

In June 1980, Sanjay Gandhi, the younger son of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, died in an air crash in Delhi. Sanjay was anticipated to succeed his mother as head of the Indian National Congress. Sanjay, who was passionate about flying, apparently lost control while performing acrobatics with a new plane.

Ramon Magsaysay ( 1957)

Ramon Magsaysay who served as the seventh President of the Philippines, died in a plane crash. He received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Visayas. That same night, about 1:00 a.m. PST, he boarded the presidential plane. In the early hours of March 17, the jet was reported missing.