CDS Chopper Crash: Initial Report Rules Out Mechanical Failure, Negligence

The Tri-Services Court of Inquiry set up to probe the devastating mishap of the Indian Air Force's Mi-17 V5 chopper on 08 December 2021, which killed all the 14 passengers on board including the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Bipin Rawat has ruled out the possibility of any mechanical failure, negligence behind the incident.

As per the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the Court of Inquiry in its preliminary findings after analysing Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder has ruled out mechanical failure, sabotage or negligence as a cause of the accident.

The report claimed that the 'Accident was a result of entry into clouds due to unexpected change in weather conditions. This led to spatial disorientation of the pilot resulting in Controlled Flight into Terrain.'

Based on the findings of the report, the Court of Inquiry has made certain recommendations that are being reviewed.

CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other defence personnel lost their lives in the military helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor on December 8. One of the 14 on board, Group Captain Varun Singh succumbed to his injuries a week later while undergoing treatment at the hospital.