20-min flight that killed Gen Rawat: Rajnath's statement on CDS chopper crash

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat took off from Sulur Air Base in Tamil Nadu at 11:48 am on Wednesday and his chopper went off radar at 12:08.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave these details in Parliament on Thursday about the fatal chopper crash that killed CDS Rawat, his wife and 11 others.

The Defence minister informed that locals spotted a fire in the nearby forest and rescue teams soon rushed to the crash site.

13 of the 14 on board the ill-fated Mi-17V5 chopper died in the crash.

The lone survivor of the crash, Group Captain Varun Singh is on life support at the Military hospital, the defence minister informed the House.

Also watch: Salute, Soldier: Last respects to Gen Bipin Rawat and others at Madras Army centre

Air Force has started its probe in to the crash and the chopper's black box has been recovered.

He also said that Gen Rawat will be cremated in Delhi with full military honours.

General Rawat was on a visit to Defence Services Staff College in the Nilgiri Hills to address the faculty and student officers of the Staff Course.

The chopper crashed in the forest area, reportedly due to poor visibility following heavy fog. The IAF said a Court of Inquiry has been ordered into the accident.