KAWARTHA LAKES-The Royal Canadian Air Force is releasing the names of the two aircrew members killed in the CH-147F Chinook crash on June 20, 2023, near Garrison Petawawa, Ontario.
The names of Captain David Domagala and Captain Marc Larouche were released following the official identification by the Coroner and in accordance with the wishes of their families.
Both were on board a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CH-147F Chinook that crashed in the Ottawa River in the early hours of Tuesday, June 20.
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. Two other 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.
Captain David Domagala, 32, originally of Woodstock, Ontario, served in the Canadian Army Reserve before applying to become a pilot. After graduating from the Royal Military College, he completed pilot training and was posted to 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in 2019. He deployed as a liaison officer on Operation CALUMET in Egypt, for which he received a Commander Commendation from Canadian Joint Operations Command. He commenced his training on the CH-147F Chinook upon redeployment.
“Dave was not only a loving life partner, the best dada in the galaxy, an incredible son/ son-in-law and dedicated military pilot, he also meant the world to everyone who knew him. He constantly showed us more love than we could ever have imagined, and we will miss him to infinity and beyond. Flying was his dream, and we are all so proud of him, but deeply saddened that his full potential was never fulfilled. The loss of Dave is a tremendous heartache that I hope no other military spouse or family will have to endure.” said Domagala’s family.
Captain Marc Larouche, 53, originally of Amos, Quebec, earned a private pilot’s license before joining the Royal Canadian Air Force as a pilot. After attaining his pilot’s wings in 1993, he served with several squadrons, flying the CH-135 Twin Huey, CH-146 Griffon and CH-147F Chinook helicopters. He deployed internationally on Operation DELIVERANCE in Somalia and domestically on Operation PODIUM in British Columbia.
“As we grieve, the Royal Canadian Air Force asks the media and public to respect the privacy of the families of the fallen.” said officials. “The full range of support is being provided to the families of the two deceased members, the two surviving air crew members and their families, and to the members of 450 Squadron and Garrison Petawawa at this difficult time.”
The investigation by the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Directorate of Flight Safety remains ongoing.
