RCAF Search and Rescue technician dies in training accident

A Winnipeg-based search and rescue technician with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has died in a training accident near Yorkton, Saskatchewan.

According to a release from National Defence, Master-Corporal Alfred Barr died during training on Wednesday. He was a member of 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron based in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

“On behalf of all 17 Wing Winnipeg and the entire RCAF, I would like to express my condolences to Master-Corporal Alfred Barr’s family, friends and fellow service members. Master-Corporal Barr was a valuable member of 435 Squadron’s Search and Rescue team, and he will be deeply missed,” said Colonel Andy Cook, 17 Wing Winnipeg Commander.

The 435 Transport and Rescue (T&S) Squadron is one of two squadrons that provide primary search and rescue response for the Trenton Search and Rescue Region, the largest in Canada. The region extends from Quebec City to the British Columbia-Alberta border, and from the Canada-United States border to the North Pole.

The RCAF’s Directorate of Flight Safety will be investigating the accident.

This is the second deadly training accident in Saskatchewan in less than four months.

Royal Canadian Air Force pilot Captain Thomas McQueen, of Hamilton, was killed on November 28 when his CF-18 fighter jet crashed during routine training near the Saskatchewan-Alberta border. on November 28.