KAWARTHA LAKES-The Department of National Defence says the two missing aircrew members from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CH-147F Chinook that crashed in the Ottawa River in the early hours of Tuesday, June 20, were found deceased last evening.
“The hearts of Royal Canadian Air Force members are heavy with the news from Garrison Petawawa about the loss of two members from 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron. There are no words to describe a loss as tragic as this. On behalf of the entire Air Force family, Chief Warrant Officer Hall and I offer our deepest condolences and support to the families, friends and loved ones of all those affected by this accident.” said Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force
The two members were amongst a total crew of four who were on the 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron aircraft at the time of the accident. The other two members of the crew were found by Garrison Petawawa firefighters earlier and taken to hospital in Pembroke with minor injuries shortly after the crash. Both have since been released and are being monitored by Canadian Armed Forces medical personnel. Officials say the full range of support is being provided to the families of the two deceased members, the two surviving aircrew members and their families, and to the members of 450 Squadron and Garrison Petawawa.
“It is an extremely sad time for all Canadians with the loss of these two members. I want to thank all those who helped in the first response to the accident as well as the search efforts, including members of 450 Squadron. This tragedy serves as a difficult reminder of the risk that members of the Royal Canadian Air Force face daily while training to respond to missions at home and abroad. We mourn the loss of these two members, and our thoughts are with their families and squadron mates.” stated Major-General Iain Huddleston, Commander, 1 Canadian Air Division / Canadian NORAD Region / Joint Force Air Component / Search and Rescue Region Trenton
The RCAF’s Directorate of Flight Safety is conducting an investigation into the accident to determine the cause
“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of these two members. They served with honour, proudly devoting their lives to Canada with tremendous professionalism and selfless service. Their loss is devastating, and we stand in grief with their families, friends, and teammates during this time of great sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are also with our members who were injured in this tragic accident, and we wish them a quick recovery. On behalf of all members of the armed forces, the Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer and I offer our deepest condolences to the loved ones of our fallen.” said General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff
The search was supported by approximately 110 Canadian Armed Forces members on the shore and on the water; including divers from 2 Combat Engineer Regiment, as well as CC-130J Hercules and CH-146 Griffon aircraft from 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron, and 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron. An Ontario Provincial Police marine and dive unit, and Petawawa and Pembroke fire departments, also supported search efforts.
Boaters and the public are being asked to remain off the Ottawa River and away from the shoreline on the operational side of Garrison Petawawa, to allow for the ongoing environmental containment and clean-up efforts and to preserve the integrity of the incident location for the Flight Safety Investigation.
The names of the deceased individuals are not being released at the request of their families. Our condolences to their family and friends and colleagues at the RCAF.
