http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VU-hJ9r7fGg(Sorry ... don't know how to embed the video) A CF-18 fighter jet crashed while conducting an air-show practice flight at an Alberta airport Friday, but the pilot was able to safely eject from the aircraft before it exploded into flames on impact.
Capt. Brian Bews was piloting the CF-18 Hornet, which was set to be part of the Alberta International Airshow this weekend, when the crash occurred at Lethbridge County Airport just after noon.
Capt. Holly Brown, a spokeswoman for 1 Canadian Air Division, said Bews is a demonstration pilot for that specific aircraft, noting his vast experience.
"Capt. Bews, like any of our F-18 pilots, is highly trained, highly skilled and highly capable," Brown said.
"It's a long journey to become an F-18 pilot, and our demo pilots are exceptionally proven. It's an honour to be selected as a demo pilot.
"Unfortunately today, something happened. He was going through his practice sessions and something happened. He had to eject and the aircraft impacted the airfield."
The pilot was about 30 metres from the ground when he ejected.
He could be seen coming to rest just outside the ball of flame that erupted when the aircraft collided with the ground.
RCMP said Bews was brought to hospital and his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
"We're just really thankful that he's OK," Brown said, but would not provide details on his condition, citing the Privacy Act.
It's not clear whether the plane ran into trouble during mid-air manoeuvres, or on takeoff or landing, but Brown said the Department of National Defence's Flight Safety Team is investigating the crash.
Kurtis Koop spent the morning watching the fighter jet as he worked outside framing a house with friends.
"I was watching the thing all morning. We were all in awe," Koop said.
But then, he watched as the tail end of the plane swung low, and the aircraft dipped behind a hill. "Then I saw the smoke come up. It was a straight stack of black smoke, thick. I said, 'No, he couldn't have crashed.'"
"He looked like he was in complete control the whole time. The next thing I know, it's up in flames. I can't believe I saw it."
Brown would not say when crash probe details would be released.
"Some investigations take longer than others, but the bottom line is the investigation will take as long as it needs so we can properly examine the incident and take whatever actions are necessary," Brown said.
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http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Pilot+narrowly+escapes+crash/3318010/story.html#ixzz0uc8gzKQE
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