India’s Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat died when an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter crashed in Coonoor, in southern India, on December 8, 2021.
An IAF Mi-17 V5 helicopter was carrying 14 people, including General’s wife Madhulika Rawat. None of the occupants survived.
The Indian Air Force has opened an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, with CDS Gen Bipin Rawat on board, met with an accident today near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.
An Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 8, 2021
According to IAF, General Bipin Rawat was on his way to visit Defense Services Staff College in Wellington (Nilgiri Hills).