General Bipin Rawat's chopper crashed due sudden change in weather: inquiry report

The Indian Air Force chopper crash on December 8 that killed Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and 13 others was due to an unexpected change in weather that led to spatial disorientation of the pilot, according to the preliminary findings submitted by the tri-services court of inquiry.

It has also ruled out mechanical failure, sabotage or negligence as a cause of the accident.

The court of inquiry's finding states that the accident was a result of entry into clouds due to unexpected change in weather conditions in the valley that led to spatial disorientation of the pilot resulting in Controlled Flight into Terrain.

According to US aviation regulator, Controlled Flight into Terrain is defined as an unintentional collision with terrain -- the ground, a mountain, a body of water, or an obstacle -- while an aircraft is under positive control.

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Gen Rawat, his 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 were among 13 others killed in the crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.