House on fire in Kamloops after jet crash - James Peters

By Dori Modney with files from CFJC

Canadian Forces Snowbird crashes in Kamloops

May 17, 2020 | 2:49 PM

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — It was dubbed “Operation Inspiration”. The Canadian Forces Snowbirds have been making their way from eastern Canada westward across the country, doing inspirational fly-pasts over cities, in an effort to bolster spirits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, on Sunday, May 17, something went wrong in the sky over Kamloops, B.C.

Around 11:00-am, two of the aircraft lifted off from the Kamloops Airport, headed for Comox, when one of the jets circled and appeared to dive. People who were watching the aircraft, initially thought it might be a stunt performance. However, video shows one of the jets make a sharp left turn and then nosedived behind trees. A crash could be heard and then a tall plume of black smoke could be seen behind trees in the distance.

Initial reports from the scene and from those watching the incident on social media, indicate the plane hit one or more homes in Kamloops’ Brocklehurst neighborhood. Several people near the scene say they witnessed the pilot eject before the plane crashed. However, an individual who rendered assistance to the pilot when he landed, indicated he had suffered grievous injuries.

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LethbridgeNewsNOW sister station CFJC in Kamloops, spoke with witness Zion Chong, who saw the crash from the Kamloops Airport.

“The planes just lifted up and they were flying low and then they started pulling up after they gained some altitude. One plane started to turn left at a sharp angle and then started dropping (like a stunt) nose down. After dropping for a second, I saw a small explosion and saw the pilot eject then the plane just drop and exploded.”

There is no word on other injuries. LNN will remain in contact with CFJC and update the story as more information as it becomes available.