Reason for Mi-17V5 crash that claimed CDS Bipin Rawat’s life revealed

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North News

New Delhi, December 20

 The Mi-17V5 helicopter crash that claimed the life of India’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife, and 12 others three years ago was caused by human error, according to a Parliamentary standing committee report. The December 8, 2021, crash near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, occurred due to spatial disorientation of the pilot amid poor weather conditions, the Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed in early 2022. The latest report reaffirms that conclusion, ruling out mechanical failure, sabotage, or negligence.

The Russian-origin Mi-17V5, regarded as a highly reliable aircraft, was fully serviceable at the time of the accident. It crashed seven minutes before its scheduled landing at Wellington, engulfed in flames after flying into cloud cover, according to the news outlet The Hindustan Times.

The Parliamentary panel report, tabled in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, also reviewed 34 air crashes between 2017 and 2022. Causes included aircrew error, servicing issues, technical defects, bird strikes, and foreign object damage, with some incidents still under investigation.