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MCpl Alfred Barr - SAR Tech dies in training accident in Saskatchewan

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http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/rcaf-search-and-rescue-technician-dies-in-training-accident-in-saskatchewan-1.3317331

A Royal Canadian Air Force Search and Rescue technician has died in a training accident near Yorkton, Sask.  Master Cpl. Alfred Barr died in during training Wednesday, according to the RCAF. He was a member of 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron based in Winnipeg.
“The RCAF’s Directorate of Flight Safety will be investigating the accident and no further information will be released about the incident while that is ongoing,” the military said in a statement.
The commander of 17 Wing Winnipeg, Col. Andy Cook, expressed his condolences to Barr’s family, friends and fellow service members.
“Master Cpl. Barr was a valuable member of 435 Squadron’s Search and Rescue team, and he will be deeply missed,” he said.
 
RIP MCpl. Thank you for your service.  :salute:

And heartfelt condolences to your family and friends.
 
My deepest condolences to friends and family.  :salute:
 
My condolences to family, colleagues & friends ...  :salute:
 
MCpl Albert Barr was numbered among those who, at the call of his country, served in Her Majesty’s Canadian Forces and, following the path of duty, passed out of the sight of humanity, giving up his life in the service of Canada. Let those who come after see to it that his name be not forgotten.

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain,
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.

Poem by Robert Laurence Binyon (1869-1943), published in The Times newspaper on 21st September 1914.

Posted IAW s. 29 of the Copyright Act
 
A bit of detail from the CAF info-machine:
A Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Search and Rescue Technician (SAR Tech) based at 17 Wing Winnipeg died in an accident during training near Yorkton, Sask. on Wednesday, March 8, 2017.

Originally from Lethbridge, Alta., Master Corporal Alfred Barr was a member of 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron. He enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 2009 as a signals operator, and transferred to the SAR Tech trade in 2015. Upon completion of his training at the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue at 19 Wing Comox, B.C. in 2016, he was posted to 435 Squadron.   

The RCAF’s Directorate of Flight Safety will be investigating the accident and no further information will be released about the incident while that is ongoing.

Quotes

    "Master Corporal Alfred Barr was part of an elite group of specialists whose primary function is to save lives.‎  Ours hearts and prayers goes out to his family and friends as the RCAF mourns this special individual who was willing to lay down his life so that others may live.”

    — Lieutenant-General Michael Hood, Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force

    “As a Search and Rescue Technician, Master Corporal Alfred Barr was committed to saving the lives of Canadians and people in danger. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. His bravery and devotion will be truly missed by the Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Armed Forces and all of Canada.”

    — Major-General Christian Drouin, Commander, 1 Canadian Air Division/Canadian NORAD Region

    “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.”

    — Colonel Andy Cook, 17 Wing Winnipeg Commander ...
 
This is the third SAR Tech we've lost in just over five years.

This is evidence that the job we do, no matter what the occupation, has a level of risk associated with it that no employment contract or insurance plan could allow for. We serve at Her Majesty's pleasure; under a social contract like no other. There is nothing binding on Her Majesty, and everything binding on Her loyal subjects.

#UNLIMITEDLIABILITY
 
Master Cpl. Alfred Barr died after parachute drop malfunction: military


YORKTON, Sask. – The military says a search-and-rescue technician who died in a training accident in Saskatchewan had a parachute malfunction.

http://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/master-cpl-alfred-barr-died-after-parachute-drop-malfunction-military/
 
This, from his Fiancée via the info-machine:
“Alfred Barr was the most amazing man I have ever known. He was incredibly kind and thoughtful, someone who always put others before himself. He was continually encouraging and positive, even in difficult circumstances, and motivated me and others to be hardworking and try different things. He valued his family immensely and also became an integral member of my family.

Alfred was incredibly intelligent and talented, yet modest about his accomplishments. He was a life-long learner and had so many creative hobbies and interests, including cooking, woodworking, and leatherwork. When we first started dating long distance, we wrote letters to one another, and Alfred would use fine paper, calligraphy pens and seal the envelopes with wax. He simply went all out for us.

He loved to create physical challenges for himself, like ultra-marathons, fat biking, and canoeing. He would try everything at least once. Many of his adventures involved nature and the Canadian wilderness. Beyond these things, he took it upon himself to learn about other cultures and was learning other languages like Danish, German, and French.

Alfred was a true Canadian. He loved the Albertan mountains, especially Waterton National Park. Being originally from Fort Nelson, BC, and later calling Lethbridge, Alberta his hometown, he also shared a great love for the wild woods and cooler temperatures where he could practice bush craft skills and camping.

I will cherish the love we had together forever. He was the kind of man who lived life to the fullest. He loved life.

Alfred always showed me the kind of love that everyone should have. The kind of mushy gushy love that makes you feel warm and envelops you like a cocoon. Alfred was my cocoon. He showed me safety and adventure. And what happened to him is cruel and unfair but he understood the risks, and took them knowingly. He always did. He knew the dangers of his job, and fully embraced the Search and Rescue Technician motto: ‘that others may live’. I am so proud of his courage, strength, and devotion to help others.

Alfred always worried about the gifts he would give me. If they were enough. But he gave me the gift of true love. He gave me life. And I hope that I can honour him by following his example, to share his enthusiasm for life with others.

This feels like such a surreal situation. I keep expecting Alfred to walk through the door. He and I were so happy together. We had plans to travel, to have children, and to grow old in each other's company. We were just setting out on our adventure together. He didn't deserve to die. I miss him terribly, and he will be in my heart forever.”

-      Stéphanie Hempel, Fiancée of Master-Corporal Alfred Barr

MCpl Barr’s fiancée and family are thankful for all of the messages of support, and now ask that the media and community respect their request for privacy as they continue to mourn.

- 30 -​
 
The latest from the CAF's flight safety folks ...
CC130338 SAR Technician - From the Investigator

Report / March 8, 2017 / Project number: CC130338 SAR - A Category
Location: Yorkton, Saskatchewan
Date: 2017-03-08
Status: Investigation Ongoing

The accident occurred during a 435 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron CC130H Hercules search and rescue (SAR) training mission. The aircraft departed Winnipeg with a crew of nine and proceeded to the Pelly / Kamsak area in Saskatchewan to complete basic SAR sequences, and then transited to the Yorkton airport (CYQV) with the intent of doing live static line parachute jumps followed by supply drops.

The aircraft was established at 2,000 feet above ground in level flight at 120 knots indicated airspeed in a flap 50 configuration and flown into wind over the desired target. The skies were clear, it was -16o C and the surface winds were out of the northwest at 19 knots gusting to 24 knots. After completing their briefings and safety checks, the SAR Tech Team Leader (TL) exited the aircraft via the open rear ramp at their pre-determined point. The TL exited using the “ball” style technique. The SAR Tech Team Member (TM) followed a few seconds after the TL, except he used the “reverse arch” exit technique. Both the ball and the reverse arch are authorized exit techniques for static line jumps.

As the TM exited the aircraft his left leg was observed to move upwards and his body roll slightly to the right. As this was happening the static line system began to deploy his parachute. The parachute did not open normally and the right side of the canopy was observed to be lower than the left side. He quickly entered a tight clockwise descending spiral.

The TM was observed to make movements similar to those used to untwist parachute lines and quickly released his SAR-PELS (an equipment bag attached at chest level to the front of his harness). His hands were again observed to move up to the risers. The right spiralling rapid descent continued to the ground. The TM landed first followed by the TL. The TL landed as quickly as he was safely able and as close to the TM as he could and immediately performed first aid. Immediate life saving action were not successful as the TM had been fatally injured on impact.

Detailed examination of the parachute did not reveal any evidence of a materiel failure and the investigation is focusing on human factors, including training and emergency procedures.
 
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