Snowbirds Forced To Cancel Two Appearances

USPA NEWS - The Canadian Forces Snowbirds have announced the cancelation of two upcoming scheduled performances due to a crash landing which occurred in Fort St John, British Columbia, on Tuesday, August 2nd.

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds released the following separate statements on Facebook: "In the wake of the incident in Fort St John BC, on Tuesday, August 2, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds will not be able to take part in the Penticton Peach Festival performance today, Wednesday, 3 August. 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. Flight Safety is paramount in the RCAF and investigations into incidents and accidents are done in a comprehensive and thorough manner following well-established procedures. While we are disappointed to not be able to perform, we wish both the Penticton Peach Festival and all the attendees the very best!"

"In the wake of the incident in Fort St John BC, on Tuesday, August 2, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds will not be able to take part in the Abbotsford International Airshow 5-7 August. 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. Flight Safety is paramount in the RCAF and investigations into incidents and accidents are done in a comprehensive and thorough manner following well-established procedures. While we are disappointed to not be able to perform, we wish the Abbotsford Air Show, the performers and all the attendees the very best!"

Unfortunately, this is not the first time in recent months that the Snowbirds have had to cancel scheduled commitments due to issues with the aging CT-114 aircraft. Earlier this summer, the Snowbirds had to cancel a performance over Moncton, New Brunswick and also had to cancel their performance over Ottawa on Canada Day. These cancelations were due to an issue with the device that sets the timing for the deployment of the parachute during the ejection sequence. Fortunately there was no injuries associated with this issue and the pilot involved in Tuesday's crash landing escaped without injury.

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds 431 Squadron is the military's air demonstration team whose mandate is to demonstrate skill, training and team spirit. The Squadron is based in Saskatchewan at 15 Wing CFB Moose Jaw. The Snowbirds consist of a fleet of Tudor CT-114 aircraft.

Over the last 50 years, the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds demonstration team have become a true Canadian Icon and the pride of a nation. Even with the challenges that the Snowbirds team has had to face over the last several years, they have returned to continue the tradition of bringing Canadians together while sharing their message of patriotism, professionalism, teamwork and goodwill. It is the hope that the remainder of the 2022 air show season will bring the Snowbirds the best of luck, and safety as they continue to provide thrilling performances for audiences from coast to coast.