Squadron: 444
Start Date: 1988-07-02
Completion Date: 1988-07-02
Mission: Operational
Operation: unspecified
Target City:
Target Specific:
Base: CFB Edmonton, Alberta
Take Off Time:
Squadron Code:
Radio Code:
Return Base:
Return Time:
Crash City: Nakusp, British Columbia
Crash Specifics:
Crash Latitude: 0.00000000
Crash Longitude: 0.00000000
Crash Reason: piloterror
Flak Battery:
Enemy Claim:
War Diary Unavailable
6 Group Unavailable
Ex-US Army OH-58A-BF 71-20907. Initially delivered to 3 CFTTS at Portage, MB. This a/c was serving with No. 408 (Tac Hel) Sqn at CFB Edmonton, AB when it was destroyed in a crash at Nakusp, BC on 7 July 1988 (2 July shown in Personnel file). A formation of two Kiowa helicopters was proceeding from CFB Edmonton to McDonald Lake Provincial Park south Nakusp, BC to take part in an annual mountain flying training exercise. The formation entered the Arrow Lakes region from the north and proceeded southward in a loose trail formation flying low over the lake 200-300 metres offshore. A climb was initiated to 200-300 ft AGL to fly around the east side of the town of Nakusp after which the formation headed back out over the lake commencing a shallow descent. A motorboat was overflown at low altitude and high speed. Approximately 1 kilometre past the boat, the lead helicopter impacted the water and sank in approximately 180 feet of water. Lt. J.B.Y. Gregoire and J.G. Benedict were both killed in the crash. SOS: 19 October 1989 - Category "A" write-off
6 Group Unavailable
Ex-US Army OH-58A-BF 71-20907. Initially delivered to 3 CFTTS at Portage, MB. This a/c was serving with No. 408 (Tac Hel) Sqn at CFB Edmonton, AB when it was destroyed in a crash at Nakusp, BC on 7 July 1988 (2 July shown in Personnel file). A formation of two Kiowa helicopters was proceeding from CFB Edmonton to McDonald Lake Provincial Park south Nakusp, BC to take part in an annual mountain flying training exercise. The formation entered the Arrow Lakes region from the north and proceeded southward in a loose trail formation flying low over the lake 200-300 metres offshore. A climb was initiated to 200-300 ft AGL to fly around the east side of the town of Nakusp after which the formation headed back out over the lake commencing a shallow descent. A motorboat was overflown at low altitude and high speed. Approximately 1 kilometre past the boat, the lead helicopter impacted the water and sank in approximately 180 feet of water. Lt. J.B.Y. Gregoire and J.G. Benedict were both killed in the crash. SOS: 19 October 1989 - Category "A" write-off
