Canadian Prime Minister Expresses Regret
A team from the Canadian Forces was to arrive in Montana
Saturday to investigate the crash that took the life of Capt. Shawn
McCaughey, a two-year member of the Snowbirds aerial demonstration
team, reported CanWest News.
As ANN reported, McCaughey's
jet was flying in formation Friday when it veered off heading,
plummeting to the ground in Great Falls, MT.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed his regrets at
the death on Saturday.
"It is with great sadness that I learned about the accident that
took the life of a decorated and talented pilot," Harper said.
"Captain Shawn McCaughey served our country with distinction,
honor and professionalism. On behalf of the Government of Canada
and all Canadians, my deepest sympathy goes out to his family,
friends and fellow team members during this difficult time."
"Captain McCaughey was a highly skilled and experienced pilot
who fulfilled the ultimate dream of joining our illustrious
Snowbirds team. He was a positive role model and goodwill
ambassador who truly personified the professionalism and dedication
of all the women and men who make up our Canadian Forces. His
family and friends can be proud of his accomplishments and
contributions, as are all Canadians."
He added, "The Snowbirds are a world-renown aerial demonstration
team and one of the most identifiable Canadian symbols. All
Canadians take pride in their excellence and are forever grateful
for the important work done by the Snowbirds and by all our
military men and women."
According to the commander of the 15 Wing Moose Jaw, where the
Snowbird team is based, there will be a temporary halt in Snowbird
performances but the team would fly again this season.
"Canadian Forces Snowbirds are the finest members of the
Canadian Forces - they represent the Canadian Forces' interests
well, and I have no doubt that they will continue to do so in the
future."
Canadian Defense Minister Gordon O'Connor also issued a
statement.
"This dedicated pilot and professional officer served as an
ambassador of Canada by showcasing his skills and representing the
best that the Canadian Forces has to offer. Captain McCaughey
accumulated over 1,400 hours of military flying time before joining
the 2007 Snowbirds team."
According to his father, Ken McCaughey, his son was going to be
married next month in Montreal.
"In December, he got engaged on a boat with his fiancée
and he was supposed to get married in three weeks time, on June 9,"
Ken McCaughey, 66, told The Canadian Press.
"This is unbelievable what's going on now for us and his
fiancée. Today is her birthday," Ken McCaughey said.
Ken McCaughey said his son dreamed of becoming a pilot since he
was a little boy and had described his job with the Snowbirds as
"the best job in the world."
This was the first Snowbird crash since a pilot safely ejected
from his jet just before it crashed before an August 2005
performance.
The fate of the Snowbirds squad has been hotly debated in recent
years, with some critics calling for the decommissioning of their
nine 43-year-old CT-114 Tutor jets.
The Snowbirds have flown their distinctive red-and-white planes
before more than 100 million spectators since the team was formed.
It is the only air force squadron still flying the Tutors, which
have been phased out of service by the rest of the Canadian
Forces.
The Snowbirds perform high-speed, low-altitude maneuvers in the
Canadair CT-114 Tutors and are part of the Canadian Air Force.
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