In the first official statement on the CDS Bipin Rawat helicopter crash, the Indian Air Force ruled out negligence, mechanical failure and sabotage as probable causes of the mishap.

An investigation team analyzed the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder recovered from the crash, while also questioning all available witnesses to determine probable cause of the unfortunate crash.

The Court of Inquiry in its probe findings, revealed that the accident was a result of entry into clouds due to unexpected change in weather conditions in the valley.

This led to spatial disorientation of the pilot resulting in controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), the statement said, referring to the preliminary findings of a tri-services probe.

In aviation terminology, CFIT refers to the accidental collision with terrain of an aircraft under total pilot control. In such cases, the pilot or flying crew may lose situational awareness and are unaware of the approaching danger until too late.

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