Report on Rawat’s chopper crash: CDS chopper crashed due to pilot’s mistake; No evidence of technical fault, conspiracy or negligence

On 8 December, CDS General Bipin Rawat’s helicopter crashed in Tamil Nadu due to a pilot’s error following a sudden change in weather. There was no technical fault, conspiracy or negligence in this. This has been said in the preliminary report of the Tri-Services Court of Inquiry, a joint investigation of the three services.

Indian Air Force has issued a statement giving information about this. According to the Indian Air Force, due to the sudden change in local weather and the arrival of clouds, the pilot accidentally reached the middle of the hills.

The Air Force said- Preliminary investigation of flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder has not found any apprehension of any negligence, tampering with machinery or technical glitch in the chopper. On 8 December, a MI-17 helicopter of the Indian Air Force crashed in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. General Rawat and his wife Madhulika along with 12 more people died in the accident.

helicopter fell on trees
Regarding the helicopter crash, the eyewitness had told that the helicopter had fallen on the trees rapidly. After that it caught fire. Another eyewitness said that he had seen burning people fall. Krishnaswamy, an eyewitness to the incident, had told- ‘I was in my house. Then a loud sound was heard. When he came out and saw a helicopter crashed. It hit two trees one after the other. After that it caught fire.

The crew of ‘Master Green’ category was flying the helicopter
The helicopter of CDS Bipin Rawat that crashed was being flown by a crew of ‘Master Green’ category. The pilot flying the helicopter and his entire crew were well trained. He belonged to the ‘master green’ category. Why did the helicopter crash even after this? The answer to this question was awaited not only by the government but also by the general public.

Suggestions given in the investigation report
According to media reports, some time ago an investigation report of this whole matter was also submitted to Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. Some suggestions were also made in this report, even if the pilot flying the plane/helicopter of VVIPs is a pilot of the Master Green category, the Air Traffic Controller should have the right to advise him in bad weather or difficult conditions.

If the Air Traffic Controller feels that he is not satisfied with the pilot’s decision to take off or land, he can also take a final call.