Gander Airport is closed following a helicopter crash Thursday afternoon.
Around 3:40 p.m., a Royal Canadian Air Force Cormorant Search and Rescue helicopter crashed while conducting training exercises near the intersection of runways 13-31 and 03-21.
Six aircrew members were onboard the CH-149 conducting hovering maneuvers before the aircraft went down.
Two members are being treated at the hospital, while the other four have been released.
The Directorate of Flight Safety has immediately launched an investigation. Air Force officials have declined an interview on the subject at this time.
An update on airport operations will be provided at 10:00 a.m. Friday morning.
At approximately 340 pm, an accident occurred involving a RCAF CH-149 which was training near the intersection of Runways 13-31 and 03-21.
The airport will be closed to operations with an update at 10 am local time tomorrow.
— Gander Airport (@GanderAirport) March 10, 2022
Earlier Story
The Royal Canadian Air Force has confirmed that one of its Cormorant Search and Rescue Helicopters was involved in an accident at 9 Wing Gander this afternoon.
Six aircrew members were onboard the CH-149 conducting hovering maneuvres before the aircraft went down.
Two members are being treated at the hospital, while the other four have been released.
The Directorate of Flight Safety has immediately launched an investigation.
Grateful for the four @RCAF_ARC Squadron members who’ve been released from hospital. Our thoughts are now with the two members still receiving treatment. https://t.co/SegVZ0muQ6
— Seamus O’Regan Jr (@SeamusORegan) March 10, 2022
Original Story
The Royal Canadian Air Force has confirmed that one of its Cormorant Search and Rescue Helicopters was involved in an accident at 9 Wing Gander this afternoon.
No information is available as to the nature of the accident or any possible injuries. Pictures from the scene show the helicopter lying on its side and an ambulance on the tarmac.
First responders are on the scene.
VOCM is tracking this story and will have more information as it becomes available.
This afternoon a @RCAF_ARC CH-149 Cormorant #SAR helicopter was involved in an accident at 9 Wing Gander, N.L. First responders are on scene. Updates will be provided as information becomes available. pic.twitter.com/BSM8mXqIeQ
— Royal Canadian Air Force (@RCAF_ARC) March 10, 2022