A final report on the fatal crash of a Snowbird plane last May, while on a cross-Canada tour to raise the spirits of Canadians during COVID-19, was due to a bird strike.

The investigation showed the DNA evidence concluded that a bird was injected into the engine of the CT114 Tutor, confirming what was seen in video evidence
The pilot and passenger ejected from the aircraft at low altitude and in conditions that were outside safe ejection seat operation parameters. Neither the pilot nor the passenger had the requisite time for their parachutes to function as designed.

The report recommendations include additional training for CT-114 aircrew to better prepare them for an engine failure after take-off in a low-level environment and to clarify the command to ‘eject’.

The crash of the Snowbird plane at Kamloops took the life of Captain Jenn Casey and injured Captain Richard MacDougall.

Recommendations also include publishing a directive to clarify how aircrew should prioritize an ejection-scenario near or over a populated area, and research potential options to stabilize the ejection seat from any tendency to pitch, roll, or yaw.