GDF to release findings of internal probe into fatal helicopter crash

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Defence, Brigadier Omar Khan, has promised to release the findings of an internal investigation into a fatal helicopter crash that claimed the lives of five service members.
Brigadier Khan made this announcement during a media briefing at Base Camp Ayanganna, which also addressed the situation at the Guyana-Venezuela border following recent attacks by gunmen on Venezuela’s shore.
The helicopter crash, which occurred on December 6, 2023, involved a GDF Bell 412 helicopter and resulted in the deaths of Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Retired Brigadier Gary Beaton, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, and Warrant Officer Class 2, Jason Khan. Two other servicemen were injured.
Following the incident, the GDF established a Board of Inquiry. However, Brigadier Khan clarified that, under Guyana’s law, the Ministry of Public Works is responsible for directing and investigating aviation incidents.
“The helicopter investigation — we were a stakeholder in that investigation. By the nature of Guyana’s law, the Ministry of Public Works has that mandate to direct and investigate that incident,” Brigadier Khan explained.
He further stated that while the GDF has completed its internal review and acted on its recommendations, the finalisation of the Board of Inquiry’s report depends on the official findings from the Ministry of Public Works.
The Bell 412 helicopter reportedly encountered difficulties while on duty, crashing in the forests between Arau and Ekereku in Region Seven. Only two servicemen, Lieutenant Andio Michael Crawford (pilot) and Corporal Dwayne Johnson, survived the crash.