News
Military official says two dead in crash at base

Oct. 10, 2008, Moose Jaw, Sask. – A pilot and military photographer have been
killed in a Snowbird jet crash at a base in southern Saskatchewan.

Col. Paul Keddy, commander of Canadian Forces Base Moose Jaw,
says the pair were on a routine training mission photographing the
base and other aircraft in the area.
 
Keddy told reporters the pilot and photographer were taking
pictures of three other aircraft just before the crash, about two
kilometres northwest of the base.

He says a site safety team will be coming in from Ottawa to
investigate.

The team will be comprised of experts, including a lead
investigator, flight surgeon and an escape systems specialist.

Maj. Rob Mitchell, commander of the Snowbirds, offered his condolences to the families and friends of the dead.

Here is a list of crashes and accidents involving the Canadian
Forces Snowbirds aerobatic team:

Oct. 9, 2008 — A pilot and a military photographer were killed
while photographing a routine Snowbirds training exercise out of
Moose Jaw's 15 Wing base.

May 18, 2007 — The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
confirmed that a Canadian Forces Snowbird pilot was killed when his
jet crashed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana.

Aug. 24, 2005 — Capt. Andy Mackay of Orleans, Ont. walked away
after ejecting from his plane. A report by the Department of
National Defence said the cause was “catastrophic engine failure.''

Dec. 10, 2004 — Capt. Miles Selby died in a fiery collision with
Capt. Chuck Mallet during a training session near Moose Jaw, Sask.
Mallet survived.

June 21, 2001 — Two planes collided while preparing for an air
show near Port Burwell, Ont. No injuries.

September 2000 — Two jets sustained minor damage when the wing
of one aircraft grazed the tail of another on the way to an air
show. The pilots were not injured.

Dec. 10, 1998 — Capt. Michael VandenBos, 29, died after ejecting
when his jet collided with another aircraft.

1997 — Two Snowbirds touched wingtips over Glen Falls, N.Y., but
no one was injured.

1994 — Two pilots ejected near Moose Jaw, Sask., sustaining
minor injuries.

1992 — Two pilots ejected safely after a collision near
Bagotville, Que.

1992 — A plane crashed near CFB Moose Jaw due to failed engine
bearing. No injuries.

1991 — Jet crashed near CFB Moose Jaw during routine training
flight. Both pilots escaped serious injury.

1989 — Capt. Shane Antaya, 24, killed when plane crashed into
Lake Ontario during air show in Toronto.

1978 — Capt. Gordon de Jong, 32, killed during air show in
Grande Prairie, Alta.

1972 — Capt. Lloyd Waterer, 24, killed during air show in
Trenton, Ont.