A recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has concluded that human error was responsible for the tragic crash of the Indian Air Force’s Mi-17 V5 helicopter on December 8, 2021, which resulted in the deaths of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife, and 11 other military personnel.
The Mi-17 V5, a Russian-origin helicopter known for its reliability, was en route from Sulur Air Force Station to the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington when it crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. The helicopter departed at 11:48 am and was expected to land at 12:15 pm; however, it went down approximately seven minutes before its scheduled arrival.
Initial investigations by a tri-service court of inquiry, led by Air Marshal Manavendra Singh, had previously indicated that the crash was a result of Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT). This occurs when an airworthy aircraft, under pilot control, unintentionally flies into the ground, often due to spatial disorientation or loss of situational awareness. The inquiry suggested that the helicopter encountered unexpected weather changes, leading to the pilot’s spatial disorientation.
The recent parliamentary report corroborates these findings, explicitly attributing the crash to “Human Error (Aircrew).” The report also provides broader statistics on aircraft accidents during the thirteenth defence plan period, noting that out of 34 recorded incidents, human error by aircrew was the leading cause, accounting for 16 accidents. Other factors included technical defects (seven cases), foreign object damage (two cases), human error during servicing (two cases), bird strikes (one case), and some incidents still under investigation.
The Mi-17 V5 helicopter involved in the crash was considered fully serviceable at the time of the incident. The aircraft was flying at a low altitude when it entered a rolling cloud cover, significantly reducing visibility. In an attempt to navigate out of the clouds, the helicopter collided with terrain, leading to the fatal crash.
General Bipin Rawat, appointed as India’s first Chief of Defence Staff in January 2020, was a pivotal figure in the Indian military, known for his efforts to integrate the three services—Army, Navy, and Air Force. His untimely demise was a significant loss to the nation’s defense establishment.
The parliamentary report’s findings have prompted discussions on the need for enhanced training and stricter safety protocols to mitigate human error in military aviation. The Indian Air Force has been urged to implement measures that address the prevalent issue of aircrew-related errors, which have been identified as a leading cause of military aircraft accidents.
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In response to the findings, the Ministry of Defence has stated its commitment to improving flight safety. This includes revising training programs to better prepare aircrew for unexpected weather conditions and enhancing protocols to prevent spatial disorientation during flight operations.
The tragic incident has also led to a renewed focus on the maintenance and operational readiness of military aircraft. While the Mi-17 V5 is regarded as a reliable platform, the crash underscores the importance of continuous assessment and adherence to safety measures to prevent future accidents.
As the nation reflects on the loss of General Rawat and the other brave personnel, the findings serve as a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with military aviation. The emphasis on human error as a primary factor in this and other accidents highlights the critical need for ongoing vigilance, comprehensive training, and systemic improvements within the armed forces to safeguard the lives of those who serve.