The Snowbirds had to cancel their performance at Peachfest in Penticton this year.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Canadian Forces Snowbirds
August 03, 2022 - 9:38 AM
The Snowbirds have been grounded and will not perform in Penticton today.
The cancellation is a result of an incident yesterday in Fort. St John. A Snowbirds pilot escaped physical injury, landing a jet after an incident during takeoff at the airport.
“The CT-114 aircraft of 431 (Air Demonstration) Squadron will not be flown while a Royal Canadian Air Force flight safety team investigates to determine the cause of the incident,” reads the Snowbirds announcement on Facebook.
Safety is a top priority for the Royal Canadian Air Force and comprehensive investigations are required whenever there is an incident or accident.
“While we are disappointed to not be able to perform, we wish both the Penticton Peach Festival and all the attendees the very best,” the Snowbirds said.
READ MORE: Snowbirds stop in Kamloops for a bittersweet greeting
The incident in Fort St. John happened during takeoff, and it involved a CT-114 Tutor aircraft of 431 Squadron.
The plane managed to land on the airfield but suffered some damage doing so. The pilot was not injured.
The Snowbirds performed last month in Kelowna to be part of the 75th anniversary of the city's airport.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Dan Walton or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2022