21 died in 4 accidents of Mi-17V5 choppers in last 5 years including CDS Gen Rawat: Centre

Dec. 18: Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt on Friday informed the Parliament that as many as four accidents of Mi-17V5 helicopters of Indian Air Force (IAF) have taken place in the country in last five years. A total of 21 persons lost their lives in these 4 chopper crashes. The recent crash at Coonoor in Tamil Nadu saw the death of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 13 other defence personnel.

He further stated that since March 2017, 31 people were killed in 15 military helicopter accidents. During this period, 7 helicopters each from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force,while one from the Navy were involved in accidents. The latest crash of a Mi-17V5 helicopter which led to the death of Gen Bipin Rawat is being proved by a tri-service inquiry team.