Investigation focusing on birdstrike as probable cause of Kamloops Snowbird crash

The Royal Canadian Air Forces (RCAF) says the investigation into the May 17 Snowbirds crash in Kamloops is focusing on a birdstrike as a possible cause.

The incident resulted in the death of public affairs officer Capt. Jennifer Casey. Casey and the pilot, Capt. Richard MacDougall, ejected from the CT114 Tutor jet over Brocklehurst shortly after the takeoff.

In an update to the RCAF Flight Safety website, investigators say they have a detailed analysis of video footage of the takeoff that shows a bird “in very close proximity to the aircraft right engine intake during the critical phase of take-off.”

The Tutor, CT114161, was the second in a formation of Snowbirds flying from Kamloops to Comox as part of Operation Inspiration.

In addition to the birdstrike, the RCAF investigators will focus on the performance of the aircraft’s escape system.

Though the plane crashed in a populated area, nobody on the ground was badly injured.

The Snowbirds were on a cross-country tour at the time of the crash, performing over cities and towns to try to raise morale amid the COVID-19 pandemic.