Tuesday, June 16, 2026
ADVT 
National

Snowbird jets take off from B.C. after grounding

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 01 Sep, 2020 10:18 PM
  • Snowbird jets take off from B.C. after grounding

A pair of Snowbird jets took off from Kamloops, B.C., Tuesday, more than three months after a fatal crash near the city's airport.

The jets were given approval last week to head to their home base in Moose Jaw, Sask., after being grounded because of the crash on May 17.

Capt. Jennifer Casey, the team's public affairs officer, was killed, while pilot Capt. Richard MacDougall was seriously hurt.

It's believed the plane went down shortly after hitting a bird while taking off from the airport, crashing in a Kamloops neighbourhood.

Lt.-Col. Denis Bandet, the Snowbirds' commanding officer, says the team intends to return to Kamloops next week to get the rest of the planes.

Bandet says the Snowbirds will be forever grateful to the residents of Kamloops for their support during a difficult time.

He says MacDougall is recovering from his injuries and getting the best care from the medical staff at 15 Wing in Moose Jaw.

When the Royal Canadian Air Force announced the Tutor jets were allowed back into the air on Aug. 24, it also said there would be new restrictions for the aerobatics team.

The crash in May was the second in less than eight months and came after another jet went down in Georgia last October. A report released in June said a parachute became tangled in the ejection seat, leaving the pilot with minor injuries.

Similar concerns were raised by investigators in the May crash, which remains under investigation.

Col. Ron Walker, commander of 15 Wing Moose Jaw, said last week that next season will look different for spectators, with new restrictions on the jets' minimum flying height and speed.

MORE National ARTICLES

34-Yr-Old Gurpreet Singh Charged For Running Fraudulent Immigration Scheme In Saskatchewan

After dismantling a fraudulent Saskatchewan immigration scheme, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has laid charges against Gurpreet Singh for his alleged involvement in exploiting work permit exemptions afforded to certain temporary foreign workers.   

34-Yr-Old Gurpreet Singh Charged For Running Fraudulent Immigration Scheme In Saskatchewan

BC RCMP Rolling Out Online Crime Reporting Tool To More Communities In 2020

The tool allows residents to report non-emergency crimes online, in order for RCMP detachment front line personnel to respond to more serious, urgent crimes.    

BC RCMP Rolling Out Online Crime Reporting Tool To More Communities In 2020

Help Surrey RCMP Identify Two People Suspected Of Multijurisdictional Fraud

Surrey RCMP is appealing to the public to help identify two people who are suspected of using stolen debit cards to commit approximately $28,000 in fraudulent transactions across the Lower Mainland.

Help Surrey RCMP Identify Two People Suspected Of Multijurisdictional Fraud

Suspect In Break And Enter Spree Arrested And $84K Stolen Jeep Recovered In Kelowna, B.C.

Since the end of December 2019, Kelowna RCMP have been investigating a rash of break and enters and theft of vehicles in the Kelowna area. Investigation into these incidents lead police to identify three individuals believed to be responsible.    

Suspect In Break And Enter Spree Arrested And $84K Stolen Jeep Recovered In Kelowna, B.C.

New ICBC Collision, Glass Repair Programs To Save Costs, Improve Accountability

Once fully implemented, repair shops will be ranked by performance based on various metrics. 

New ICBC Collision, Glass Repair Programs To Save Costs, Improve Accountability

3,500 New Affordable Homes Underway Or Completed In Vancouver

A new affordable rental housing project for seniors and families on Southwest Marine Drive is part of the 3,500 new homes underway or completed in Vancouver, thanks to partnerships between the Province, the City of Vancouver and community partners.

3,500 New Affordable Homes Underway Or Completed In Vancouver