CDS Bipin Rawats helicopter crashed due to sudden weather change: Report

The
preliminary report filed by the tri-service investigation formed to investigate
the fatal crash of the IAF Mi-17V5, which led to the death of all 14 who were
on board, including Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, has dismissed
the possibility of a mechanical fault, sabotage or negligence as the cause of
the crash.

Also Read: Indian Air Force to brief Rajnath Singh on CDS Bipin Rawat’s chopper crash inquiry today

The
investigation team also identified the cause of the crash and said the
helicopter entering into the clouds due to an unexpected change in the weather
conditions in the valley in Tamil Nadu, where it crashed, led to the accident.
The change of weather led to spatial disorientation of the pilot resulting in a
controlled flight into terrain, a statement issued by the defence ministry
said.

Also Read: IAF chief says probe into Coonoor crash to be fair; VVIP codes to be revised

The
investigation team is headed by Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR
Chaudhari and Air Marshal Manvendra Singh. On January 5, they informed defence
minister Rajnath Singh of the findings of the probe.

Also Read: Lack of depth perception probable reason behind chopper crash that killed CDS Bipin Rawat

Earlier,
it was reported that the crash in Tamil Nadu’s Coonoor happened due to a
controlled flight into terrain, which refers to the accidental collision with
terrain of an airworthy aircraft under the flight crew’s full control.
According to the US Federal Aviation Administration, in such accidents, the
pilot or the crew cannot identify the danger until it is too late.

Such
an incident can take place because of human error or a navigation problem. But
in this case, the tri-service investigation team ruled out such possibility.

Also Read: Omicron, CDS Bipin Rawat: Highlights of PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat speech

On
December 8, CDS Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 12 other Army personnel
boarded the copter from Sulur airbase to Wellington airbase. Minutes before the
copter was scheduled to reach its destination, the Sulur airbase control room
lost contact with the chopper.

Also Read: PM Modi pays tribute to Group Captain Varun Singh in ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address

Bipin
Rawat’s defence advisor Brigadier LS Lidder, staff officer to the Chief of
Defence Staff, Lt Col Harjinder Singh and decorated pilot Group Captain Varun
Singh were among 13 others killed in the crash.