What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence (SCOD) has officially confirmed that the tragic helicopter crash on December 8, 2021, which claimed the lives of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, and 11 others, was caused by human error.
The incident involved a Mi-17 V5 helicopter en route from Sulur Air Force Base to the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington. The aircraft crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, resulting in the loss of all but one of the 13 individuals on board.
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An official inquiry led by Air Marshal Manavendra Singh concluded that the crash was caused by Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT), a situation where an aircraft inadvertently flies into the ground, typically due to loss of situational awareness. The investigation revealed that unexpected weather changes led to the helicopter entering clouds, causing spatial disorientation of the pilot. The inquiry ruled out mechanical failure, sabotage, or negligence.
In December 2024, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence reiterated these findings, attributing the crash to “Human Error (Aircrew)”. The committee stressed the need for enhanced training and protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
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General Bipin Rawat, appointed as India’s first Chief of Defence Staff in January 2020, was a key figure in modernizing the Indian military and fostering jointness among the armed forces. His untimely death was a significant loss to the nation.
The IAF has since taken steps to address the contributing factors, including revising standard operating procedures and improving pilot training to manage unexpected weather conditions and prevent spatial disorientation.
The confirmation of human error highlights the importance of rigorous training and adherence to protocols to ensure the safety of military personnel.
