The pilot of a Canadian Forces Canadair CT-114 Tutor killed in an 18 May crash lost control of his Snowbirds aircraft when his seatbelt became unfastened during an inverted manoeuvre, according to a Directorate of Flight Safety investigation into the mishap. The accident happened while the aerobatic display team was rehearsing for an air show at the US Air Force's Malmstrom AFB in Montana after flying from their home base at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
"Initial analysis has determined that the pilot's lapbelt became unfastened when Snowbird 2 inverted, causing the pilot to fall out of his seat and lose control of the aircraft," says the 21 August report. Capt Shawn McCaughey was unable to eject from the aircraft, which crashed into the ground from an altitude of around 750ft (230m).
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Recommendations implemented following the accident include "new procedures as well as changes to the aircraft operating instructions to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence," the report says. These include "modifications to the pilot restraint system and enhanced training for aircrew and passengers," it adds.
The Snowbirds have operated the General Electric J85-powered Tutor aircraft since 1971, and Ottawa has no plans to re-equip the team.
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Source: FlightGlobal.com