RCAF Chinook crash

At this moment, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is currently involved in a search for two missing crewmembers of the 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron. This, following the crash of a Boeing CH-147F Chinook in the Ottawa River near the Petawawa Garrison (Ontario). During a training flight in the early morning of 20 June 2023, the aforementioned Chinook crashed under unknown circumstances.

The missing crew were amongst a total crew of four who were on the CH-147F (Canadian designation for the CH-47) at the time of the accident. Two other members of the crew were found by first responders and taken to hospital in Pembroke.

The search is being supported by Canadian Armed Forces personnel on shore and on water, an Ontario Provincial Police marine unit, Petawawa and Pembroke Fire Departments and Search and Rescue (SAR) aircraft from the RCAF’s 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron which included a CH-146 Griffon SAR helicopter and Hercules. A 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron Griffon is also involved.

Since 2012, a total of fifteen CH-147Fs have been operated by RCAF's 450Sq. One Chinook was badly damaged in May 2021.

Credit information and photo: RCAF