Bird strike, engine stall – Causes determined in deadly Snowbirds crash

KAMLOOPS — A Canadian Armed Forces investigation into the deadly Snowbirds crash in Kamloops has now concluded, with safety recommendations going forward.

On May 17 2020, the Snowbirds aerobatics team was taking off from the Kamloops Airport when one of the Tutor jets suddenly crashed into the Brocklehurst neighbourhood. Capt. Jennifer Casey was killed and Capt. Richard MacDougall was seriously injured after they ejected from the jet.

The RCAF team was in Kamloops as part of Operation Inspiration during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An initial investigation previously suggested a bird strike was a contributing factor, and the final report released today (Mar. 29) confirms a single, small bird had gotten into the engine of the jet shortly after take-off.

It resulted in a compressor stall and a loss of thrust. When the jet lost power, the pilot began to climb and turn back towards the airport. However the aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall and the pilot gave the order to abandon the jet.

The report states the pilot and passenger both ejected from the aircraft at low altitude and in conditions that were outside safe ejection seat operation parameters. Neither had time for their parachutes to work properly.

The report from the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Directorate of Flight Safety identifies the need for additional training for an engine failure after take-off in a low-level environment, and calls for the clarification around the command to ‘eject’. It also recommends clarification for how aircrews should prioritize an ejection scenario near a populated area, and research options to stabilize the ejection seat.

“Snowbird 11’s power loss could not have come at a worse time – low altitude, low airspeed, proximity to another aircraft, and in the vicinity of a built-up area,” states Colonel John Alexander, Director of Flight Safety, Royal Canadian Air Force. “This tragic accident reinforces the importance of continuous, situation-specific training to minimize reaction time in an emergency and the importance of a timely decision to eject.”

Brigadier-General Denis O’Reilly, Commander 2 Canadian Air Division, Royal Canadian Air Force says they are dedicated to learning from this accident.

“The Royal Canadian Air Force prides itself on operational flight safety; however, we recognize the inherent risk with military flying, despite the tireless work of our team of professionals to safely operate and maintain our aircraft,” he states. “In emergency situations, pilots must make split-second decisions after quickly processing a lot of information, while at the same time dealing with high levels of stress, g-forces, and other challenging environmental factors in the cockpit.”

In today’s release, the Royal Canadian Air Force also thanks the people of Kamloops, Tk’emlups te Secwepemc members, Skeetchestn First Nation, and all people who offered their support to the 413 Squadron.