In a major development in connection with the tragic IAF Mi-17 V5 helicopter crash in Coonoor on December 8 which killed India’s first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Dr. Madhulika Rawat, Group Captain Varun Singh, and 11 other military personnel, the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday has announced that the tri-services court of inquiry has submitted its preliminary findings, ruling out mechanical failure, sabotage or negligence as a cause of the accident. The inquiry team has found that the reason for the accident was the chopper’s entry into clouds due to an unexpected change in weather conditions.
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The tri-services inquiry report headed by IAF Air Marshal Manvendra Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Training Command, was submitted to the government on December 31.
According To An Official Statement, The Tri-Services Court of Inquiry into the Mi-17 V5 accident on 08 Dec 21 has submitted its preliminary findings. The inquiry team analysed the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder besides questioning all available witnesses to determine the most probable cause of the accident.
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It added, The Court of Inquiry has ruled out mechanical failure, sabotage, or negligence as a cause of the accident. The accident was a result of entry into clouds due to an unexpected change in weather conditions in the valley. This led to spatial disorientation of the pilot resulting in a Controlled Flight into Terrain. Based on its findings, the Court of Inquiry has made certain recommendations that are being reviewed.
