The Indian Air Force on Friday said the tri-services court of inquiry into the helicopter crash that killed India’s first CDS and former army chief Bipin Rawat and 13 others had ruled out mechanical failure, sabotage or negligence as cause.
“The accident was the result of entry into clouds because of an unexpected change in weather conditions in the valley. This led to spatial disorientation of the pilot, resulting in controlled flight into terrain (CFIT),” the IAF said in a statement on the Mi-17V5 accident on December 8.
CFIT 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, according to the US aviation regulator FAA.
“Based on its findings, the court of inquiry has made certain recommendations which are being reviewed,” the IAF added.
The inquiry team analysed the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, besides questioning all available witnesses to determine the most probable cause of the accident.
