A Canadian Forces Snowbirds plane crashed in northern British Columbia shortly after takeoff Tuesday afternoon.
Around noon, the plane took off from North Peace Regional Airport in Fort St. John, according to a statement from the local air show association.
“Despite all the precautions that are taken, accidents do happen and it’s heartbreaking in the airshow 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” involving a fire. It also said there were no immediate reports of injuries.
CF spokesman Maj. Trevor Reid confirmed those details in an email to CTV News, saying the plane was damaged but the pilot, who was the only person on board, “was not physically injured.”
Reid added that the cause is under investigation and the pilot is undergoing further medical evaluation.
“It is too early to say what impact this incident may have on the future performances of the Snowbirds.” We are grateful for the quick response of 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 planned for Penticton on Wednesday.
In 2020, Snowbirds captain Jennifer Casey died when her plane crashed in Kamloops, British Columbia. An investigation revealed that a small bird flew into the plane’s engine shortly after takeoff from Fulton Field at the city’s airport, causing a loss of power.
The pilot gave the order to eject, but the plane was too low for Casey to safely open his parachute.
The Snowbirds were detained for three months after her death.
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