A Quebecois from Amos and an Ontarian from Woodstock are the two Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilots who lost their lives in a helicopter crash last Tuesday, the defense announced Friday.
The first was identified as captain Marc Larouche, a 53-year-old Abitibi. He received his helicopter pilot’s license in 1993 and has participated in several deployments over the years, most notably in Somalia for Operation DELIVERANCE.
Alongside Marc Larouche was David Domagala, 21 years his junior. Captain Domagala, 32, was transferred to the 450th Tactical Helicopter Squadron in 2019 after completing pilot training.
PHOTO FROM DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE PRESS RELEASE
David Domagala
He had received a “commendation” when deployed as a liaison officer in Operation CALUMET in Egypt.
In the press release, the defense said David Domagala “began his training on the CH-147F Chinook during transfer,” the helicopter the two men were in during the crash.
The defense confirmed the deaths of the two men on Thursday. Two other soldiers who were aboard the CH-147F Chinook have been discharged from the hospital and are now under psychological monitoring.
The crew was on a night training flight at the time of the accident before the helicopter crashed near the Petawawa base.
“They served with honor and proudly dedicated their lives to Canada with selfless professionalism and service. Her loss is devastating and we stand with her family, friends and teammates at this time of great sadness,” said Chief of Staff Wayne Eyre.