Snowbirds mark 2 years since crash that claimed Capt. Jenn Casey’s life in Kamloops
Posted May 17, 2022 9:08 pm.
Last Updated May 17, 2022 9:10 pm.
It’s been two years since the fatal crash that killed Snowbirds Captain Jenn Casey in Kamloops.
On May 17, 2020, the aircraft Casey was in went down during its B.C. leg of the Operation Inspiration tour. The mission was meant to salute Canadians who were doing their part to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Two years ago we lost a colleague and a friend, Captain Jennifer Casey. You are still in our hearts, Jenn. #CFSnowbirds #JenniferCasey pic.twitter.com/Dxh60SOC8m
— Royal Canadian Air Force (@RCAF_ARC) May 17, 2022
An investigation revealed that a small bird got caught in the engine of the plane, causing a compressor to stall and a loss of thrust. Casey was killed in the crash while the pilot, Capt. Richard MacDougall, was injured.
In her life before joining the Canadian Forces Snowbirds team, Casey was a former journalist who worked with our sister station, then-NEWS 95.7, in Halifax. Casey has been remembered as someone who gave a voice to local causes and community groups that often didn’t have one.
She later joined the CF Snowbirds as a public affairs officer. While serving her country, she traveled around the world.
She loved The Hip and the Habs.
She loved telling stories.
She loved Canada.A journalist. A Public Affairs Officer.
Two years later, we still see her light.Captain Jennifer Casey, 1985-2020 pic.twitter.com/7tbdScHzcN
— Canadian Forces in ???????? (@CAFinUS) May 17, 2022
The Snowbirds resumed their Operation Inspiration tour a year after the fatal crash, vowing to honour the falling member. The jets were grounded for some time after the crash.
While the preliminary investigation determined what was believed to have caused the incident, it also raised concerns about the Tutor fleet’s ejection system.
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‘Capt. Jennifer Casey, we salute you’: Family says fallen Snowbird won’t be forgotten
The probe outlined that the pilot tried to climb and turn back toward the airport, but when it became apparent a return would not be possible, he and his passenger were ejected from the aircraft at low altitude.
Several recommendations were made, including additional training for crew operating the CT-114 aircraft to better prepare them for low altitude engine failure.
