Investigation concludes into fatal Chinook crash in Ottawa River [Video]

The investigation into a Chinook helicopter crash near Petawawa, Ont. that killed two military pilots concludes an “unperceived acceleration” and environmental conditions were “significant contributors” to the crash in the Ottawa River.

Capt. David Domagala and Capt. Marc Larouche died when the CH-147F Chinook helicopter crashed near Garrison Petawawa on June 20, 2023. Two flight engineers were able to escape the crash with minor injuries.

The helicopter, known by its call-sign Hammer 31, was conducting a nighttime training flight over the Ottawa River at the time of the crash.

On Monday, the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Directorate of Flight Safety announced the conclusion of its investigation.

“The Flight Safety Investigation determined that as the crew initiated a turning manoeuvre over the river, the aircraft entered a constant but imperceptible descent,” the RCAF said in a statement.

“None of the crew realized the aircraft’s altitude and/or rate of descent until impact, …