The Canadian Forces Snowbirds have canceled several shows in British Columbia this week after a plane was damaged shortly after takeoff this week.
A statement released by the Penticton Peach Festival, where the Snowbirds were scheduled to perform Wednesday, said a Royal Canadian Air Force flight safety team was to investigate the cause of the incident.
“The CF Snowbirds said that while they are disappointed they can’t perform, they wish both the Peach Festival and everyone in attendance the best,” festival organizers said in a statement.
The Canadian Forces Skyhawks will still be in Penticton on Wednesday. They and the Snowbirds will participate in other festival events such as peach basket races and a meet and greet.
The Snowbirds also canceled their appearance at the Abbotsford International Airshow coming up this weekend.
“We wish all the best to the attendees and participants,” the group said in a social media post.
The incident that led to the cancellation happened around noon Tuesday near North Peace Regional Airport in Fort St. John.
“The aircraft was able to land at the airport but sustained some airframe damage in the process,” the Royal Canadian Air Force said in a statement.
“The sole occupant (pilot) was not physically injured and is being evaluated by medical personnel.”
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.
With files from Ben Miliure and Lisa Stacey of CTV News Vancouver
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