The crash of a Mi-17 V5 helicopter on December 8, 2021, which led to the death of General Bipin Rawat, India's first Chief of Defence Staff, was caused by "human error," a parliamentary panel report has said.

General Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, and several armed forces personnel were on board the helicopter that crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. While Rawat, aged 63, his wife, and 11 others died instantly, the sole survivor succumbed to injuries later in a hospital.

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In January 2022, the Indian Air Force stated that spatial disorientation of the pilot due to bad weather was the cause of the accident. The IAF's investigation ruled out negligence, mechanical failure, or sabotage.

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In the report tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, the Standing Committee on Defence shared the data on the number of Indian Air Force aircraft crashes that took place during the 13th Defence Plan period. A total of 34 crashes were recorded, including nine in 2021-22 and 11 in 2018-19. Specific details of each crash were provided in the report, including a column specifying the "reason" for the accidents alongside the aircraft type and date.

The 33rd accident listed in the report identified the aircraft as a "Mi-17," dated "08.12.2021," with the reason marked as "HE(A)" or "human error (aircrew)."

The defence ministry informed the Committee that 34 inquiries have been conducted into these accidents during the period. "The ministry also informed that the recommendations by these Inquiry committees review the process, procedure, training, equipment, culture, operations, maintenance and administration holistically with intent to prevent recurrence of an accident," the report said.

The ministry further stated that remedial measures recommended by the Chief of Air Staff are binding. While most measures have been implemented, some are still under process, the report added.

(With agency inputs)fc188