Recovery of Chinook helicopter that crashed into Ottawa River now underway

The aircraft, which crashed June 20 killing two pilots, is currently under approximately 23 metres of water.

Published Jul 11, 2023 • Last updated 4 hours ago • 3 minute read

A Royal Canadian Air Force Chinook helicopter Photo by RCAF file photo /Supplied

The process to recover the wreckage of a Chinook helicopter that crashed into the Ottawa River last month started Tuesday.

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A crane and a barge have been brought to the crash site, according the Canadian Forces.

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“Once the aircraft is raised, it will be towed to shore and further assessed as part of an ongoing Directorate of Flight Safety investigation,” the Canadian Forces noted in a statement on Facebook on Tuesday. “The aircraft will be removed from shore via truck once released by Flight Safety members.”

The aircraft, which crashed June 20 killing two pilots, is currently under approximately 23 metres of water.

Capt. David Domagala, 32, and Capt. Marc Larouche, 53, both died in the crash near Garrison Petawawa.

Two other crew members on board at the time of the crash were taken to hospital with minor injuries and have since been released. The incident happened during a routine night training flight.

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No details were provided on how long the recovery process is expected to take.

RCAF spokesperson Capt. Yvette Mills stated in an email that a joint team—comprised of Royal Canadian Navy clearance divers, Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force members—is involved in the recovery of the Chinook.

Mills stated that it was initially thought the aircraft had leaked contaminants but emergency spill response measures were implemented quickly. “Further investigation and environmental sampling has revealed that while some hydrocarbons are being released from the helicopter, the quantities are very small and are currently being remediated within the spill containment measures surrounding the aircraft,” she added. “An environmental emergency response contractor is on site to maintain and monitor the spill containment system to prevent any migration from the immediate area. At this point, there is no evidence of any environmental contamination along the riverbank or the beach.”

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Environmental monitoring is ongoing at various locations around the site, Mills added, including the beaches.

The details of the recovery, such as whether a barge or crane were to be used, as well as the names of the firms hired to conduct the recovery, were considered by the RCAF as secret on July 5th. At the time, the RCAF did not provide details on how naming firms receiving the taxpayer-funded recovery contract was sensitive.

“The aircraft is being supported to the surface with the support from barges and recovered from water with a crane,” stated Mills in her email. “This was not provided initially, as discussions pertaining to confidentiality were being considered as there is a concurrent investigation.”

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The concurrent investigation refers to the one being conducted by the Directorate of Flight Safety.

The CH-147F Chinook helicopter is equipped with a Cockpit Voice Recorder/Flight Data Recorder unit, known in common terms as a black box. Obtaining and analyzing the information on the flight data recorder onboard the Chinook will be part of the ongoing flight safety investigation, National Defence spokesman Dan Le Bouthillier noted in an earlier statement.

Le Bouthillier said the team consists of approximately 16 people and includes investigators, medical advisors, a fleet operations advisor, as well as a technical and engineering advisor.

Capt. Larouche, originally of Amos, Que., 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.

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Capt. Domagala, originally of Woodstock, Ont., 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.

David Pugliese is an award-winning journalist covering Canadian Forces and military issues in Canada. To support his work, including exclusive content for subscribers only, sign up here: ottawacitizen.com/subscribe