Brutally Bad Luck For Snowbird Jet In Recent Accident

Information is starting to emerge concerning the recent tragedy that befell the highly-respected RCAF Snowbird flight demonstration team. The May 17th accident seriously injured pilot Captain Rich MacDougall and resulted in the death of Captain Jenn Casey, the Snowbird PAO (Public Affairs Officer).

Much of Canada mourned Captain Casey and the public outpouring of support and sadness was visible coast to coast -- and spoke compellingly about the affection Canada has for their Snowbirds.

However; the villain in this crash may be none other than another Canadian resident... a local bird. Examination of the video that was shot as the fated Snowbird flight of two was departing, shows a small object about to get sucked in to the right intake of the affected aircraft -- and a bird is the suspect.

An investigation report from Canada's National Defence’s Airworthiness Investigative Authority was posted Monday, noting that, "On 17 May 2020 the Snowbirds air demonstration team was scheduled to depart Kamloops, BC to reposition to Comox, BC as part of Operation INSPIRATION, an operation undertaken by 431 (AD) Sqn to travel around multiple sites across Canada to support COVID-19 front line workers. Aircraft CT114161 was #2 of a formation of two CT114 Tutor aircraft. Two occupants were on board the aircraft, the pilot and the team’s public affairs officer.

After take-off aircraft CT114161 was observed gaining altitude and departing the formation. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft initiated a left turn, followed shortly by an abrupt steep nose low attitude. Both occupants subsequently ejected from the aircraft.

A detailed analysis of video footage recovered for the investigation revealed one bird in very close proximity to the aircraft right engine intake (see red circle in picture above) during the critical phase of take-off.

The two occupants ejected the aircraft however one received serious injuries and the other received fatal injuries. The aircraft was destroyed on impact.

The investigation is focusing on environmental factors (birdstrike) as well as the performance of the escape system."

We'll bring you more info when available.

FMI: http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca