Canadian Snowbird Jet Crash Kills 1 in Montana

[abqscan]

GREAT FALLS, Montana — A Canadian Forces Snowbird jet crashed Friday afternoon during rehearsal for weekend performances at Malmstrom Air Force Base, killing one person on board, theFederal Aviation Administration said.

During the maneuvers above the base, one plane broke from the formation and crashed, FAA spokesman Allen Kenitzer said. No one ejected from the single-engine jet, he said.
The Snowbirds perform high-speed, low-altitude maneuvers in nine Canadair CT-114 Tutors and are part of the Canadian Air Force.
The team was to perform Saturday and Sunday at Malmstrom's open house and sport autorama.
An event organizer said Malmstrom's open house would continue, but was uncertain if the Snowbirds would perform.

[gwtc199]

Knowing the Snowbirds, they will continue if allowed, using a backup. Most likely #10 or #11.
But if the pilot was killed they may take the weekend or two off, just like the Blue Angels did a couple of weeks ago.
I just wish the Government here would give them new jets. Those Tutor jets they are using are 20 years older than me!

[pappy1]

Originally Posted by gwtc199

Knowing the Snowbirds, they will continue if allowed, using a backup. Most likely #10 or #11.
But if the pilot was killed they may take the weekend or two off, just like the Blue Angels did a couple of weeks ago.
I just wish the Government here would give them new jets. Those Tutor jets they are using are 20 years older than me!

20 years older than you… WOW. Wouldn’t you think the seat cushions are worn out by now?

[JRichard]

There was some mention a few years back of a plan to replace the Snowbirds CT-114 Tutor jets, but as it sits now there's nothing concrete. According to Bombardier, who took over Canadair, the Tutors are capable of flying until 2023 but here's hoping a replacement isn't far off.

[gwtc199]

According to a spokesperson for the squadron, the Birds will take the next weekend show off (26th-27th), then they should be back performing.