By Doug Collins

Snowbirds leave

Snowbirds start to head home

Sep 1, 2020 | 5:01 AM

KAMLOOPS — Some of the Snowbirds are heading home today (Sept. 1).

The Tutor jets have been parked in Kamloops since May 17th, the day a tragic accident claimed the life of Captain Jennifer Casey when the plane she was in crashed in a Brocklehurst neighbourhood while taking off.

The National Defence Department said last night (Mon, Aug 31st) that two planes will head out today (Tue), weather permitting, returning to their base at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The second wave of planes will head out in the next few days.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, National Defence is asking that the public refrain from going to the airport to see them off. There’s no definite time for the planes to leave, and National Defence says the Snowbirds continue to be grateful for the support received from the people of Kamloops and area First Nations following the tragedy.

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Captain Casey was in a jet piloted by Captain Richard MacDougall as the two left Kamloops on their way to Vancouver Island when there was a malfunction. Both occupants ejected at the last minute, but Captain Casey did not survive the incident. Captain MacDougall is still recovering from his injuries.

While an official report hasn’t been completed, there is speculation a bird may have been sucked into the engine during takeoff, causing the plane to lose power. There is also concern about whether or not the ejection seat caused problems with the parachute deploying, similar to a Snowbird crash in Georgia last year.

RAW TAKE OFF OF FIRST TWO SNOWBIRDS: