Two missing RCAF members found dead in helicopter crash near Petawawa

eAwazLocal News

Winnipeg – The Department of National Defence says two Royal Canadian Air Force members who had been missing since a Chinook helicopter crashed in eastern Ontario have been found dead. The pair was found late Tuesday evening after an extensive search of the Ottawa River near Petawawa, Ont., which is about 160 kilometres northwest of Ottawa.

As of yesterday morning the search was being supported by approximately 50 CAF members on shore and on water, an Ontario Provincial Police marine unit, Petawawa and Pembroke Fire Departments and search and rescue aircraft from the RCAF’s 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron to include a Griffon SAR helicopter and Hercules aircraft.  A 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron Griffon was also involved.

Boaters in the area were asked to remain clear of the shores near Garrison Petawawa to aid search efforts, avoid potentially hazardous materials from the aircraft and to ensure integrity of the crash scene to enable an RCAF Flight Safety Investigation at a later time. “Our hearts break for the members of 450 Squadron and the families who have lost their loved ones,” Defence Minister Anita Anand said today.