RCAF Cormorant mishap

On 10 March 2022, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CH-149 Cormorant serial 149903 (construction number 50071/CSH03) from 103 Search and Rescue Squadron Albert, was involved in a serious accident at its home base at Gander International Airport (Nfl.).

Six aircrew members were onboard the CH-149 which was  conducting hovering manoeuvres before the aircraft went down. Two members are being treated at the hospital, while the other four have been released.

No information is available as to the nature of the accident. Pictures from the scene show the helicopter lying on its right hand side and an ambulance on the tarmac.

The RCAF originally operated a fleet of fifteen CH-149 Cormorants (Merlin EH101 Mk511), of which two have now been lost. The helicopters are operated by 103 Search and Rescue Squadron at Gander, 442 Search and Rescue Squadron at CFB Comox (B.C.) and 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron at CFB Greenwood (N.S.)

Photo by Joe Smit