Fatal Nighttime SAR Crash in the Palautuk Region (12930)

Incident Overview and Mission Context An aircraft was operating a search and rescue (SAR) mission in the region of Palautuk when it crashed, resulting in the deaths of all eight occupants. The incident occurred during nighttime operations, with the aircraft flying at a relatively low altitude at the time of the accident. ## Sequence of Events According to the investigation source, the pilot-in-command was completing a turn when control of the aircraft was lost. The airplane subsequently stalled and crashed to the ground. The loss of control during the maneuver led directly to the fatal outcome, with no survivors among the personnel on board. ## Personnel Involved The eight individuals killed in the accident were identified as follows: Captain C. A. Healy, Captain S. R. Gitzel, Captain P. C. Hodges, Captain L. A. Cooper, Lieutenant D. W. Smart, Corporal W. E. Platt, Sergeant J. R. Lemieux, and Corporal R. N. Vodden. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or exact date of the incident.