Two Canadian soldiers killed (2)
Two Canadian soldiers have died in a Griffon helicopter crash in Afghanistan, along with another coalition soldier. Three other Canadians were injured.
The killed Canadians have been identified as Master Cpl. Pat Audet, 38, and Cpl. Martin Joannette, 25. Both were based in Valcartier, Que.
Audet served with the 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, and Joannette was with the 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment.
Two of the injured soldiers were able to return to duty, while the third was listed in stable condition.
Military officials say the helicopter crashed at a U.S. base in Zabul province, about 80 kilometres northeast of Kandahar where the bulk of Canadian troops are based.
Insurgents were not involved in the incident, suggesting the helicopter may have suffered from mechanical failure.
“A flight-safety investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the crash,” said Canadian commander Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance.
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See Also:
7 U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan attacks
Seventh soldier dies in grim fortnight for British forces in Afghanistan
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Mac Says:
My sympathies to their families. RIP, gentlemen and thank you for your service.
Posted on July 7th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Jack Says:
My question is what happened to the chopper? Perhaps it’s not fit for service in Afghanistan (dust, high altitude, etc). I don’t know but someone out there does.
Waiting for a response.
Posted on July 7th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Mac Says:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CH-146_Griffon
That design is almost as common as dirt and variants of the Griffon are used by armed forces in some of the republics in the Middle East including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, etc. It’s unlikely to be a design flaw; more likely to be a maintenance problem.
Hopefully, the investigation will find the issue so we can ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Posted on July 7th, 2009 at 7:37 pm