The Aircraft Went Down In Open Field

It's been a horrific year for the airshow industry as much of the annual shows were cancelled due to the COVID crisis... but that pales in comparison to the worst news imaginable... the loss of a member of the overtly tight-knit airshow community.

ANN regrets to note that it has confirmed the death of Team Rocket Aerobatics' Ken Fowler, along with passenger Hannalei Eder. Both were killed when Fowler's Harmon Rocket II (C-FZXS) went down 13 miles NW of Thorsby, AB Canada, Saturday afternoon. The aircraft went down in open field on a flight from Rocky Mountain House airstrip to an unknown destination. The aircraft was consumed by fire after impact. There is no witness data or other information to explain any aspect of this accident, at this time. Canada's TSB will investigate.

Fowler was one-half of Team Rocket Aerobatics, flying alongside Eric Hansen in his F1 Rocket.

Ken grew up in British Columbia and started his aviation career by first earning his glider license in 1977. In 1978 he joined the Canadian Military as an airframe technician and worked on T-33’s, CF-101 Voodoos, and CF-18’s before becoming a flight engineer in 1988.

Ken has built 5 of his own aircraft. He has over 6000 hours of flying experience as a commercial pilot and flight engineer. Ken retired from the military on May 15/98 with 20 years of service, and was the Airport Manager at Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. During his last five years with the military he toured the air show circuit with the Skyhawk Parachute Team as one of the crew members of the Buffalo aircraft. Ken flew air shows from coast to coast, and had been seen throughout the US and Canada.

FMI: www.facebook.com/rocketaerobatics