Gregoire, Joseph Bernard
Killed in Flying Accident 1988-07-02
Birth Date: 1964-September-06
Born:
Home:
Enlistment:
Enlistment Date: Unknown
Service
RCAF
Unit
444 Sqn- Squadron
Strike Swift Strike Sure
Base
Rank
Lieutenant
Position
Lieutenant
Service Numbers
Kiowa 136242
Operational 1988-July-02 to 1988-July-02
444 () () CFB Edmonton, Alberta
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-offBell CH-136 Kiowa

Bell CH-136 Kiowa (Serial No. 1362--), No. 444 Sqn, 4 CMBG, Germany.
The OH-58A Kiowa is a 4-place observation helicopter. The Kiowa has two-place pilot seating, although the controls in the left seat are designed to be removed to carry a passenger up front. A total of 74 OH-58A helicopters were delivered to the Canadian Armed Forces between 1971 and 1972 as a Light Observation Helicopter (LOH), performing duties such as reconnaissance, command and liaison or artillery fire direction. The CAF re-designated them as the CH-136 Kiowa. Although similar in appearance to the trainer Bell CH-139 Jet Ranger, major differences between the two helicopters include the main rotor blades and dynamic components. The CH-136 was powered by a C-18 engine and the CH-139 was powered by a C-20 engine.Harold Skaarup web page