New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Friday (January 14) released the preliminary findings by the investigation team into the December 8 chopper crash near Tamil Nadu’s Coonoor which killed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and all 13 others who were on board the Mi-17 V5.
The findings have ruled out “mechanical failure, sabotage or negligence” as a cause of the accident. The crash was due to bad weather, according to the findings.
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“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,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
“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,” it added.
