FORT ST, JOHN -- There are reports a military plane crash landed while attempting to takeoff Tuesday morning from the North Peace Regional Airport in Fort St. John.
B.C. Ambulance, RCMP and the Fort St. John Fire Department all attended the scene on the runway. Officials with the City of Fort St. John telling CJDC TV, no injuries have been reported,
A statement issued by the Fort St. John International Airshow said, "the North Peace Regional Airport is working with local first responders and ground crews to attend to the pilot and their aircraft. We ask that during this time you are respectful of the families of the pilots who were involved in the incident and ensure that anything you share comes from official source.
Jennifer Moore with the International Airshow said, " we can confirm that the pilot is not harmed."
"Shortly after 12pm today, an incident occurred at the North Peace Regional Airport, with a departing Snowbird aircraft going down on takeoff. Despite all of the safety precautions that are taken, incidents do happen and it’s heart-breaking in the air show world," added Moore.
The plane involved in the crash was a CT-114 Tutor aircraft of 431 (Air Demonstration) Squadron. It was part of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds demonstration team that had been performing this past weekend at the Fort St. John International Airshow.
By the time the Fort St. John Fire Department arrived, a fire that had started after the crash, had been extinguished by the airport’s emergency crew.
CJDC TV spoke to Major Trevor Reid with the Canadian Armed Forces on Tuesday about the accident. Major Reid said ,"the aircraft was able to land, but suffered some damage to the aircraft in the process. The sole occupant (pilot) did not sustain physical injuries and is being assessed by medical personnel."
"This incident is the subject of an RCAF flight safety investigation and we cannot speculate as to what caused the incident. It is too early to say what impact this incident may have on future performances by the Snowbirds. We’re grateful for the swift response by local first responders. Our thoughts are with our member at this time."
On May 17, 2020, an aircraft with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds demonstration team crashed in Kamloops, B.C., killing one person and seriously injuring another.
In March of 2021, The Royal Canadian Canadian Air Force released its final report into the fatal crash, noting that the cause of the crash appears to have been an engine stall following a bird strike.
So far there is no word what may have caused Tuesday's crash at the Regional Airport in Fort St. John
This is a developing story
