Canadian Forces Snowbirds Jet

USPA NEWS - On Sunday, May 17th, a Canadian Forces Snowbirds jet crashed shortly after taking off from the airport, in Kamloops, British Columbia. Witnesses say Snowbirds jet crashed into a house not far from the Kamloops Airport. Kamloops Airport issued the following statement on social media, “Emergency crews including Kamloops Airport´s aircraft rescue fleet is responding to an aircraft crash off-airport involving a Canadian Snowbirds jet."

Two weeks ago, on May 3rd, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds commenced Operation Inspiration in Atlantic Canada on Canada's east coast. The purpose of the mission is to inspire and encourage all Canadians during these difficult times and to thank all of the frontline workers for their service by doing a series of flybys from coast to coast. Today's crash occurred in Kamloops, British Columbia as the team was preparing to do flybys over the province.

Shortly after the incident, the Royal Canadian Air Force issued the following statement on Twitter, "The Royal Canadian Air Force has been made aware that a Canadian Forces Snowbirds aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Kamloops, B.C. Our priority at this time is determining the status of our personnel and supporting emergency personnel. When appropriate, more information will be made available."

Sadly, a few hours later the RCAF posted the following update, "It is with heavy hearts that we announce that one member of the CF Snowbirds team has died and one has sustained injuries. We can confirm that we have contacted all primary family members of those involved. More information will be communicated in the near future." In a further update the RCAF did advise that the surviving member of the crash has injuries that are not thought to be life-threatening. The crash victim has been identified as Capt. Jennifer Casey who was the Snowbirds Public Affairs Officer.

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds 431 Squadron is the Canadian Military air demonstration team whose mandate is to demonstrate the skill, training, and team spirit. The Squadron is based in Saskatchewan at 15 Wing CFB Moose Jaw. The Snowbirds consist of a fleet of the Tudor CT-114 aircraft.