Preliminary Findings of Court of Inquiry (COI): CDS Helicopter Accident on 08 December 2021

The Tri-Services Court of Inquiry into the Mi-17 V5 accident on 08 Dec 21 has submitted its preliminary findings. The inquiry team under Air Marshal Manavendra Singh, AVSM, VrC, VSM, ADC, 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 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.

Fourteen people including India’s CDS, General Bipin Rawat and his wife lost their lives in the unfortunate accident in the Niligiri Hills near Coonoor.

PIB Release ID: 1789972