GREAT FALLS, Mont., May 19 (UPI) -- A Canadian Forces flight safety team arrived in Montana Saturday to investigate the fatal crash of a Snowbirds precision flying team jet during practice.
Flags at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Mont., where the accident occurred Friday were flown at half-staff in honor of the fallen pilot, Capt. Shawn McCaughey, 31, of Candiac, Quebec, CBS News reported.
McCaughey, who had 1,400 hours of flying experience and was in his second year with the Snowbirds, was piloting his CT-114 Tutor jet in formation when it unexpectedly rolled out and plunged to the ground, CBS said. His aircraft was one of nine in the formation and he was performing an inverted pass maneuver at the time of the accident. He didn't radio any indication he was in trouble.
Canadian Forces officials had no comment on the crash, which occurred as the team prepared for a weekend airshow.
The network reported that McCaughey died just three weeks before he was to be married.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered condolences Saturday, saying McCaughey "served our country with distinction, honor and professionalism."
McCaughey was the sixth Snowbirds pilot killed in a crash since 1972.
