The death of India CDS Bipin Singh Rawat has sent waves of shock across nation. But how did India lose its most gallant general alive?

On December 8, 2021, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, and 11 persons including his wife were killed in a helicopter crash. Mr. Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, and 10 prominent Indians were abord an Indian Air Force helicopter Mi-17V.

Interestingly enough, the Mi-17V is one of the safest and technically advanced helicopters possessed by the Indian Air Force. Moreover, it was being piloted by late Prithvi Singh Chauhan, a decorated Wing Commander who was the commander of 109 helicopter unit, Coimbatore

Contents hide
1. The Facts of the Matter
2. The Crash As It Happened
3. What Do We Know About the Helicopter that Crashed?
4. Helicopter Black Box Found
5. How the World Reacted to CDS Bipin Rawat’s Demise?
6. Here are Other Condolence Messages Shared on Twitter

The Facts of the Matter

Country’s most senior and one of the highest decorated military officers, General Bipin Rawat died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday this week. He was appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff earlier on January 1, 2020, thanks to his illustrious career that spanned over more than three decades. He was aboard a helicopter along with his wife, Madhulika Rawat, who also passed away in the crash. Mrs. Rawat was also the president of the Defence Wives Welfare Association.

Also Read: The Deliveries of S-400 Air Defence Systems Began from Russia to India: Putin visited Modi

The Crash As It Happened

Late CDS Rawat was on his way to deliver a lecture at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. On Wednesday morning, CDS Rawat and 12 others flew to the Sulur Air Force Station, Coimbtore from Delhi.

At the Sulur Air Force Station, the crew got onboard a Mi-17V5 helicopter which crashed at Katteri in the Nilgiris sometime post noon.  Reportedly, the last time the helicopter was in contact with the ATC (Air Traffic Control) was at 12:22 PM, after which the helicopter lost contact.

According to reports that cited eye witnesses from the accident, the Mi-17V5 crashed with a huge booming sound. Immediately the helicopter caught fire and smoke filled the area. Another eye-witness also added that they saw a person coming out of the chopper who was in flames.

Also Read: Dramatic Visuals of Indonesian Semeru Volcano’s Eruption Sets the Internet on Fire

What Do We Know About the Helicopter that Crashed?

As mentioned earlier, the Mi-17 V is one of the safest and technically most advanced helicopters in the Indian Air Force fleet. The helicopter has been designed and manufactured to carry out multiple operations – carry troops, carry cargo, and emergency tactical operations which requires the helicopter to be both fast and carry ammunitions.

The ammunition system in the helicopter includes top-of-the line specifications, including unguided missiles, 250 round cannons. Further, it also features a intensively armoured cockpit, defence system against heat-seeking missiles, etc.

According to an Indian Express report, that cited an IAF officer, the past record of the Mi-17V showed a 100% reliability. Further, the last few sorties of the helicopter showed no glitches or mechanical failures.

As the helicopter was to take one of the most important individuals from the defence staff, it also went through a multi-stage mechanical check. After the checks came clear, the access to the chopper was sealed, so that no tampering could take place.

Helicopter Crash 01

Helicopter Crash 01

Helicopter Crash 02

Helicopter Crash 02

Helicopter Crash 03

Helicopter Crash 03

Helicopter Black Box Found

A day after the Mi-17V 5 crash that killed CDS Rawat, his wife, and 11 others, the helicopter black box was found by the search and investigation team. The black box was found when the authorities increased the search to up to 1 kilometer from 300m of the accident spot. The black box stores all the communication records between pilots, radio traffic announcements, and other crucial data.

Also Read: India and Russia Enter into Agreement for Production of 6 Lakh AK203; Signed ₹5100 Crore Deal

How the World Reacted to CDS Bipin Rawat’s Demise?

While the news of the helicopter crash was confirmed by the Indian Air Force sometime Wednesday noon, the death of the CDS staff on board was confirmed later at 6:03 in evening. “With deep regret, it has now been ascertained that Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs. Madhulika Rawat and 11 other persons on board have died in the unfortunate accident,” the IAF tweeted.

After the news was confirmed, Indian President and Commander in Chief Ram Nath Kovind took to Twitter and wrote, “I am shocked and anguished over the untimely demise of Gen. Bipin Rawat and his wife, Madhulika ji. The nation has lost one of its bravest sons. His four decades of selfless service to the motherland was marked by exceptional gallantry and heroism. My condolences to his family.”

PM Modi also condoled the death of the Indian General and tweeted, “I am deeply anguished by the helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu in which we have lost Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and other personnel of the Armed Forces. They served India with utmost diligence. My thoughts are with the bereaved families.”

Here are Other Condolence Messages Shared on Twitter