CDS General Bipin Rawat Helicopter Crash: Tri-services Court of Inquiry Submits Preliminary Findings

New Delhi: The Tri-Services Court of Inquiry into the Mi-17 V5 accident on 08th December 2021, 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. 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 unexpected change in weather conditions in the valley. This led to spatial disorientation of the pilot resulting in Controlled Flight into Terrain. Based on its findings, the Court of Inquiry has made certain recommendations which are being reviewed. The helicopter crash had resulted in the death of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife, and other serving men of Defence Forces.