Tragic Findings: 'Human Error' Identified in Chopper Crash That Claimed CDS Bipin Rawat's Life

In December 2021, a tragic Mi-17 V5 helicopter crash claimed the lives of General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika, and several members of the armed forces while they were traveling to Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. The incident shocked the nation.

P24 News Media

December 20, 2024

1 minute

Tragic Findings: 'Human Error' Identified in Chopper Crash That Claimed CDS Bipin Rawat's Life

India

In a significant update regarding the tragic Mi-17V5 helicopter crash that claimed the life of India’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat along with 13 others, a recent report released by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence attributes the disaster to human error. This conclusion aligns with initial findings disclosed by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in January 2022, which indicated that the crash resulted from the pilot's spatial disorientation amid adverse weather conditions.

The initial investigation conducted by the IAF determined that factors such as negligence, mechanical faults, or acts of sabotage were not contributors to the accident. The parliamentary report, which was presented in Lok Sabha, provided insights into various incidents involving air mishaps from the period of 2017 to 2022. It outlined multiple causes behind a total of 34 air crashes during this timeframe, highlighting human error related to aircrew actions, servicing issues, technical defects, foreign object damage, and bird strikes among the potential reasons. Some incidents continue to be under scrutiny.

Specifically concerning the Mi-17V5 crash that occurred on December 8, 2021, the report confirms that human error on the part of the aircrew was the primary cause. The renowned Russian-made helicopter, known for its exceptional safety record and reliability, was operating in optimal condition at the time of the incident. Just seconds before it met its tragic fate, the helicopter sought shelter in cloud cover, resulting in a catastrophic crash just minutes before its scheduled landing in Wellington.

The helicopter took off from Sulur Air Base at 11:48 AM and was anticipated to arrive at the Wellington golf course helipad by 12:15 PM. Unfortunately, air traffic control lost contact with the aircraft at 12:08 PM, roughly 20 minutes post-departure, marking a critical moment leading up to the disaster.

The crash resulted in an immense loss of life, impacting numerous families and friends. Not only did it take the life of General Rawat, but it also resulted in the tragic deaths of his wife, Madhulika Raje Singh Rawat, alongside several high-ranking officers and personnel, including Brigadier LS Lidder, Lieutenant Colonel Harjinder Singh, and Squadron Leader Kuldeep Singh, who was piloting the helicopter, among others.

The repercussions of this tragic event have reverberated throughout the nation, underscoring the critical importance of addressing human factors in aviation safety. As investigations continue and further insights emerge, the focus remains on ensuring that lessons learned from this incident are utilized to enhance training, operational procedures, and overall flight safety. The collective aim is to prevent any recurrence and to honor the memories of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.