Flight Safety Investigation Report for CH147310 Chinook Accident Released

Unrecognized downward acceleration and environmental conditions are to blame for the 2023 CH-147F Chinook helicopter in the Ottawa River that claimed the lives of two Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members.

The determining factors aircraft CH147310 were published this week in the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Directorate of Flight Safety’s Flight Safety Investigation.

“We continue to grieve alongside all those affected, and our thoughts remain with the loved ones of Captain Marc Larouche and Captain David Domagala. The results of the Flight Safety investigation provide us details and recommendations surrounding this tragic accident. We are committed to learning from this heartbreaking loss, and providing safety for our aviators as we continue our mission in service of Canada,” said LGen. Eric Kenny, Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force.

Remembering the Fallen

The accident in question occurred on June 20, 2023, when the crew of Hammer 31, four CAF members, were conducting a nighttime training flight over the Ottawa River near Garrison Petawawa.

Sadly, the accident caused the two pilots, Capt. Marc Larouche and Capt. David Domagala to succumb to their fatal injuries.

The other two flight engineers received minor injuries.

According to a statement from the Department of National Defence, the investigation concluded that “as the crew initiated a turning manoeuvre over the river, the aircraft entered a constant but imperceptible descent.”

The crew did not realize the turn of events, such as altitude and rate of descent, until impact.

Both the “unrecognized downward acceleration” and contributing environmental factors were significant contributors that resulted in “spatial disorientation” of the crew.

Preventative Measures

The report not only looked into the causes of the incident but also posed several recommendations to ensure such a tragedy would not reoccur. Preventative measures are recommended at the base, squadron, wing, division, and strategic levels. They specifically look into the safety and curb risks when undertaking over-water missions.

“Several recommendations are provided to help prevent similar accidents in the future,” said Col. Jean-François Gauvin, Director of Flight Safety, Royal Canadian Air Force.

To read the CH147310 Chinook – Epilogue, visit here. According to the press release the complete recommendations and insights into the investigation can be found in the CH147310 Flight Safety Investigation Report.