More than a month after the death of India’s first CDS Bipin Raway, the Tri-Services Court of Inquiry has submitted preliminary findings and it ruled out sabotage or negligence. Gen Rawat, his wife Madhulika, were traveling with a few army officials when their Mi-17 V5 crashed near Coonor in Tamil Nadu on December 8, 2021.
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 an unexpected change in weather conditions in the valley. This led to spatial disorientation of the pilot resulting in a Controlled Flight into Terrain. Based on its findings, the Court of Inquiry has made certain recommendations that are being reviewed.
Rawat’s defence advisor Brigadier LS Lidder, staff officer to the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt Col Harjinder Singh and decorated pilot Group Captain Varun Singh were among 13 others killed in the crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. The government is yet to appoint a new CDS.