CDS Rawat Chopper Crash: Tri-Services Inquiry Blames Bad Weather For Tragedy, Rules Out Sabotage

According to them, the inquiry into the crash of the Russian-made Mi-17V5 helicopter has already been concluded.

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force on Wednesday informed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about the results of the tri-services inquiry into the December 8 helicopter accident that killed CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and 13 others, according to persons acquainted with the incident.

According to them, the inquiry into the crash of the Russian-made Mi-17V5 helicopter has already been concluded.

Sources previously claimed that the accident was not caused by a technical malfunction in the Indian Air Force's chopper. However, no formal confirmation has been given.

Court Of Inquiry Into Crash Headed By Air Marshal Manavendra Singh

Air Marshal Manavendra Singh presided over the Court of Inquiry.

Aviation Marshal Singh, who is presently in charge of the IAF's Training Command in Bengaluru, is regarded as one of the greatest air crash investigators in the country.

Prior to taking over the Training Command, the Air Marshal served as the Director General (Inspection and Safety) at Air Headquarters, where he devised a number of flight safety regulations.

Probable Cause Behind The Crash Was Bad Weather: Report

At around 11 am on Wednesday, Air Force Chief along with Air Marshal Manvendra Singh reached the official residence of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Akbar Road in the national capital.

During the meeting, Defense Secretary Ajay Kumar was also present at Rajnath Singh's residence.

According to information received by ABP News, during the meeting with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Air Force Chief and Air Marshal Manvendra Singh presented a 'progress report' on the investigation into the helicopter crash of CDS General Bipin Rawat.

As per the findings, the probable cause behind the CDS helicopter crash was "bad weather."

Debunking the myth of conspiracy, the report clearly states that there was no technical fault in the crashed helicopter. Nor did this accident happen due to human error, and there was no 'sabotage' of any kind.

General Bipin Rawat Helicopter Crash

The disaster in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, killed 14 people, including Gen Rawat's wife Madhulika, his defence advisor Brigadier LS Lidder, staff officer to the Chief of Defence Staff Lt Col Harjinder Singh, and decorated pilot Group Captain Varun Singh.

According to reports, the investigation team looked into all probable causes of the incident, including human error or crew confusion when the helicopter was prepared to land.