Tasnim� A preliminary report by the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran has mentioned medical history of the pilot of an ATR passenger plane that crashed in southwestern Iran in February, citing his open-heart surgery and the medical limitations in his license.

The preliminary report, released on March 11, includes a review of circumstances of the plane crash that killed 66 people in southwestern Iran on February 18.

The ATR plane, operated by Aseman Airline, was flying from capital Tehran to the city of Yasouj when it crashed into near the top of Mount Pazanpir with a height of 4,300 meters.

In its report, the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran said the renewed license of the 62-year-old pilot of the plane had imposed limitations on his flight conditions, considering the pilot�s open-heart surgery and his age.

It said the airline had failed to take into account the medical limitations.

Prior to November 2006, the age limit for pilots was 60, but it was increased to 65 years under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rules.

Following the fatal crash, all ATR planes at the disposal of Iran�s Aseman Airlines were temporarily banned from flying.