A member of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Snowbirds has been tragically killed following a crash shortly after take-off yesterday from Kamloops airport.
A video of the accident shows a pair of Canadair CT114 Tutors, the type used by the Snowbirds take off before one pitches up before appearing to enter uncontrolled flight.
Both Pilot and Crew member are seen to eject but at a a low altitude and angle.
Captain Jennifer “Jenn” Casey, the teams Public Affairs Officer, was killed in the accident whilst the pilot, Captain Richard MacDougall, is being treated for serious, but not life-threatening injuries.
The RCAF has suffered another tragic loss of a dedicated member of the RCAF team. We are deeply saddened and grieve alongside Jenn’s family and friends. Our thoughts are also with the loved ones of Captain MacDougall. We hope for a swift recovery from his injuries. – Comd RCAF pic.twitter.com/8U41bdVqcU
— Royal Canadian Air Force (@RCAF_ARC) May 18, 2020
The Snowbirds had recently been taking part in “Operation Inspiration” trying to lift the mood of Canadians during the Coronavirus pandemic but were not taking part in a display or flypast at the time.