Iran Says Forgetful Operator Was Trigger for Ukraine Jet Crash

Person in air defense unit forgot to adjust radar system
All 176 on board perished when Ukraine plane shot from sky

Aircraft parts from the wreckage of the Ukraine International Airlines which crashed shortly after takeoff lie on the ground near Shahedshahr, Iran, on Jan. 8.Photographer: Ali Mohammadi/Bloomberg

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By Arsalan Shahla

July 11, 2020 at 10:05 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

An Iranian air defense unit that “forgot” to adjust its radar system triggered a chain of communication and human errors that led to the deadly downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet in January, according to a report from Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization.

Iran said it mistakenly shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 shortly after take-off, killing all 176 aboard. Decoding of the jet’s black boxes is expected to start July 20.