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

50-Yr-Old New Westminster Man Warren David Bonsell Sentenced For Robberies In New Westminster, Coquitlam, And Burnaby

50 year old New Westminster resident Warren David Bonsell has been convicted of three offences, after extensive multi-jurisdictional robbery investigations were completed in New Westminster, Coquitlam, and Burnaby.  

50-Yr-Old New Westminster Man Warren David Bonsell Sentenced For Robberies In New Westminster, Coquitlam, And Burnaby

HEERAL PATEL MURDER: Warrant For 1st Degree Murder Issued Against Ex-Husband RAKESHBHAI PATEL

Patel Is Believed To Be Travelling In A 2009 Honda Civic 4 Door Silver, Ontario Licence Plate CDMP042. 

HEERAL PATEL MURDER: Warrant For 1st Degree Murder Issued Against Ex-Husband RAKESHBHAI PATEL

It’s Not Over Yet: Stormy Weather, Freezing Rain And Significant Snow Forecast For Metro Vancouver, B.C. South Coast

The agency says a storm is expected to arrive Friday evening before transitioning to the usual — rain.

It’s Not Over Yet: Stormy Weather, Freezing Rain And Significant Snow Forecast For Metro Vancouver, B.C. South Coast

Missing Person To Locate: 23-Year-Old Burnaby Woman SHIREENA DHILLON Not Seen Since January 10

Shireena is described as a 23-year-old South Asian female, 5’ 2 tall, slim build with long black hair.

Missing Person To Locate: 23-Year-Old Burnaby Woman SHIREENA DHILLON Not Seen Since January 10

Canada To Give $25,000 To Families Of Each Canadian Who Died On Flight PS752

"I want to be clear: we expect Iran to compensate these families," he said, but noted that could take time.

Canada To Give $25,000 To Families Of Each Canadian Who Died On Flight PS752

Federal Health Minister Says Too Early For Broad Drug Decriminalization

Canada's health minister says talk about decriminalizing drugs to deal with the country's ongoing opioids crisis is premature until people have enough help to fight their addictions.

Federal Health Minister Says Too Early For Broad Drug Decriminalization