2020 Snowbirds crash

On May 17, 2020, a Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds plane crashed in Kamloops, British Columbia. One person, Captain Jennifer Casey, was killed, and the pilot was seriously injured after ejecting.[1]

2020 Snowbirds crash
DateMay 17, 2020
LocationKamloops, British Columbia
CauseBird strike
Deaths1
Non-fatal injuries1

Background

The Snowbirds had been flying over many Canadian cities as part of "Operation Inspiration", a plan to raise the country's morale due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[2]

The CF-114 Tutor jets used by the Snowbirds were built from 1964 to 1967 and have been in service since.[3] The aircraft that crashed was 57 years old.[4]

Cause

After a nearly year-long investigation, it was concluded that an engine stall, caused by a bird strike was responsible for the crash.[5] Both of the pilots attempted to eject, but the report showed that Capt. Casey's ejection seat did not function properly.[6] Since the crash happened shortly after takeoff, the plane was still at a low altitude and the pilot did not have time to regain control.

The report gave several recommendations, including more extensive training for pilots when flying near residential areas, installing flight recorders that can survive a crash, and making the ejection system more stable.[7]

Reactions

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that he is "deeply saddened" by the event and Governor General Julie Payette stated that she was "devastated".[8] On May 18, 2020, dozens of pilots performed a memorial flyover of the location where the plane crashed.[9] To mark the one-year anniversary of the accident, the City of Kamloops created a series of memorials.[10]

References
  1. Dakin Andone, Paula Newton and Amir Vera. "One dead after Canadian Snowbirds aircraft crashes into home in British Columbia". CNN. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
  2. Malone, Kelly Geraldine (2020-05-22). "End of Snowbirds would be 'tragic,' commander says after fatal crash". British Columbia. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
  3. "Canadair CT-114 Tutor". www.canadianflight.org. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
  4. "COMMENTARY: Snowbirds face an uncertain future with aging planes, dwindling budgets | Globalnews.ca". Global News. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
  5. "Deadly Snowbirds crash caused by engine stall following bird strike: investigators | Globalnews.ca". Global News. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
  6. Mangione, Kendra (2021-03-29). "Fatal Snowbirds plane crash: Final moments included bird strike, engine stall in Kamloops, B.C." British Columbia. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
  7. Berthiaume, Lee (2021-03-29). "Report flags concerns about pilot's actions in moments before deadly 2020 Snowbirds crash in B.C." The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
  8. Ross, Andrea (May 17, 2020). "Canadian Forces Snowbirds jet crashes in Kamloops, B.C., killing 1, injuring another". Archived from the original on 2020-05-17. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
  9. Schmunk, Rhianna (May 18, 2020). "Dozens of B.C. pilots fly over Lower Mainland to honour Snowbirds after deadly crash". Archived from the original on 2020-05-18. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
  10. Miljure, Ben (2021-05-17). "City of Kamloops unveils memorial plans for fallen Snowbird Jenn Casey". British Columbia. Retrieved 2022-01-20.


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