The probe team has suggested a relook at the standard operating procedures for flying VVIPs. The team examined all likely scenarios for the crash, including possible human error.

The IAF chief had earlier said that VVIP protocols for flying will be reviewed once the probe has been completed.

Gen Rawat, his wife and twelve other armed forces personnel were on board the Mi-series chopper when it crashed between Coimbatore and Sulur in Tamil Nadu on 8 December. Gen Rawat was on his way to the Defence Services Staff College to participate in an event at which he was scheduled to deliver a lecture.

Air Marshal Singh, currently heading the Bengaluru-headquartered Training Command of the IAF, is known to be one of the best air crash investigators in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)