Snowbirds aircraft crashes in Northern B.C.
A Canadian Forces Snowbirds aircraft crashed in Northern B.C. shortly after takeoff Tuesday afternoon.
Around noon, the aircraft took off from the North Peace Regional Airport in Fort St. John, according to a statement from the local airshow society.
"Despite all of the safety precautions that are taken, incidents do happen and it’s heart-breaking in the air show world," a spokesperson wrote.
In a Facebook post, the City of Fort St. John said first responders were called to the airport for an "aviation incident" that involved a fire. It also said no injuries were immediately reported.
CF spokesperson Maj. Trevor Reid confirmed these details in an email to CTV News, saying the aircraft was damaged but the pilot, who was the only person on board, "did not sustain physical injuries."
Reid added that the cause is under investigation and the pilot is undergoing further medical assessment.
"It is too early to say what impact this incident may have on future performances by the Snowbirds. We’re grateful for the swift response by local first responders," he continued.
"Our thoughts are with our member at this time."
The squadron was in Fort St. John for the city's annual air show over the weekend with their next stop scheduled for Penticton on Wednesday.
In 2020, Snowbirds Capt. Jennifer Casey died when her plane crashed in Kamloops, B.C. An investigation revealed a small bird flew into the plane’s engine shortly after takeoff from Fulton Field at the city's airport, causing it to lose power.
The pilot gave the order to eject, but the plane was at too low of an altitude for Casey to safely deploy her parachute.
The Snowbirds were grounded for three months following her death.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Ben Miljure
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.