The RCAF’s Directorate of Flight Safety cited “unrecognized downward acceleration and environmental conditions” as factors in the nighttime crash of an RCAF Boeing CH-147F Chinook helicopter in the Ottawa River that resulted in the deaths of the two pilots, Captain Marc Larouche and Captain David Domagala. The accident occurred near Garrison Petawawa on June 20. The flight engineers on board the ill-fated flight survived with minor injuries.
According to the report, “The crew did not realize the turn of events, such as altitude and rate of descent, until impact…as the crew initiated a turning manoeuvre over the river, the aircraft entered a constant but imperceptible descent.” Spatial disorientation was the result.
“Several recommendations are provided to help prevent similar accidents in the future,” RCAF Director of Flight Safety Col. Jean-François Gauvin said. The report makes several recommendations, including preventive measures, to avoid similar accidents in the future.
Follow this link to read the report’s epilogue.