Monday, July 6, 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

Liberals Prepare To Spend $50M On Social-Finance Plan, But No Strategy For Now

The Liberals are taking their first $50-million step in a plan to finance experimental ways to deliver social services.

Liberals Prepare To Spend $50M On Social-Finance Plan, But No Strategy For Now

Trudeau Appoints Jacqueline O’Neill As Canada’s First Ambassador For Women, Peace And Security

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has appointed Canada's first ambassador for women, peace and security.

Trudeau Appoints Jacqueline O’Neill As Canada’s First Ambassador For Women, Peace And Security

Free Transit OK'd For Youth Living In Victoria, Starts In September

The Victoria Regional Transit Commission unanimously approved a plan by the municipality to provide free bus passes to students who live in the city and are 18 years old or under.

Free Transit OK'd For Youth Living In Victoria, Starts In September

Man Who Praised Quebec Mosque Shooter In Online Videos Gets 30 Days In Jail

LAVAL, Que. — A Quebec man who was found guilty last May of inciting hatred against Muslims has been sentenced to 30 days in jail.    

Man Who Praised Quebec Mosque Shooter In Online Videos Gets 30 Days In Jail

Quebec Trying To Speed Up Process To Adopt Secularism Bill Ahead Of Summer Break

Quebec Premier Francois Legault says his government is showing good faith by specifying what kinds of religious symbols it plans to ban for many public sector workers.

Quebec Trying To Speed Up Process To Adopt Secularism Bill Ahead Of Summer Break

Father Tells B.C. Judge That Happy, Loving Girl, 8, Taken For No Reason

NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. — The father of an eight-year-old girl who was smothered by her mother says a happy, empathetic, sensitive and loving child was taken away from the world for no reason.

Father Tells B.C. Judge That Happy, Loving Girl, 8, Taken For No Reason