Question Period Note: Chinook Petawawa Accident

Can the Minister of National Defence provide an update on the recent helicopter crash that took place in Garrison Petawawa?

• We are aware of the incident involving a Chinook Helicopter that was operating in the vicinity of Garrison Petawawa.
• Our thoughts go out to all military members and their families who are impacted by this tragic accident.
• First responders, including Canadian Armed Forces Members, are on scene assisting in the search for the two missing crew members.
• At this point we do not know what caused the accident.
• This accident reminds us of the challenges faced by our men and women in uniform every day, whether they are training or on operations.

If pressed on the cause of the crash

• Whenever a crash involving a Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft occurs, the Air Force’s Director of Flight Safety conducts an independent investigation to identify the cause and to make recommendations to prevent accidents in the future.
• While we cannot provide more information at this time, we will keep the public informed as we learn more.

CH-147 Chinook Capabilities:

• The CH-147F Chinook is an advanced, multi-mission helicopter used to transport equipment and personnel during domestic or deployed operations.
• The Chinook has enhanced self-protection capabilities, including anti-missile protection systems, radar as well as laser warning systems, ballistic protection and self-defence machine guns.
• A total of 15 Chinooks have been acquired by National Defence. This number includes the aircraft involved in this accident.

None