CDS Bipin Rawat’s Helicopter Crash Caused by Human Error, Investigation Reveals in Parliament

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In 2021, the country's first CDS General Bipin Rawat died in a helicopter crash. A total of 12 people, including his wife Madhulika Rawat, lost their lives in this accident. Then many claims were made about this accident, but 3 years after the incident, the Standing Committee of Parliament has presented the investigation report on his death in the Lok Sabha. The report clearly states that Bipin Rawat's helicopter crashed due to human error.

The accident happened on 8 December 2021

A parliamentary committee formed to investigate the death of Bipin Rawat in its report has cited human error as the reason behind the Mi-17 V5 helicopter crash that took place on 8 December 2021. General Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and several other armed forces personnel died when their military helicopter crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.

In a report tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, the Standing Committee on Defence shared data on the number of accidents involving IAF aircraft during the 13th Defence Plan period. A total of 34 accidents took place, including nine IAF aircraft accidents in 2021-22 and 11 in 2018-19. The report has a column titled 'Cause' in which 'human error' has been cited as the cause of the accident.

How was the helicopter in which Rawat was travelling?

The Mi-17V5 helicopter in which General Bipin Rawat was travelling is a VVIP helicopter. It has two engines. The army uses this helicopter for difficult terrains. It is the world's most advanced transport helicopter which is used for transport of troops and weapons, fire support, patrolling and search-and-rescue missions.

Only the Group Captain survived

in this accident. However, he also died a week later during treatment. Group Captain Singh was sent from Wellington in Kannur, Tamil Nadu to a military hospital in Bengaluru for treatment of severe burns. He was on life support, but despite treatment, his life could not be saved.