Friday, July 23, 2010

CF-18 Crashes at the Lethbridge Airport..


UPDATE:
The Lethbridge International Airshow will continue this weekend according to a press conference this evening.  Also see below exclusive raw video of the crash at the Lethbridge Terminal that was obtained by Global News.
---------------------------------------------
A Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter jet crashed at the Lethbridge Regional Airport this afternoon (Friday), as the airport was getting ready for the Alberta International Airshow this weekend.  

The crash about 12:20pm when the jet was doing a low speed pass near the terminal.  Witnesses say the pilot pulled his parachute and ejected before the plane crashed. The pilot was practising for the air show, rehearsing low-level manoeuvres when the crash occurred.
 
The CTV is saying the plane was approximately 100 meters off the ground when the pilot ejected.
 
RCMP and the local fire department have cordoned off the area. The runway at the airport is currently closed and air traffic is being diverted following the crash.

A military spokeswoman told the Calgary Herald that the cause of the crash is under investigation. It's not immediately known whether the plane ran into trouble during mid-air manoeuvres, or on take-off or landing.

"I can confirm a CF-18 Hornet has crashed during practice for the Lethbridge air show," said Capt. Nicole Meszaros, a spokeswoman for 4 Wing, based at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta.

A news conference is planned for 6 p.m. (MT) when air show officials are expected to determine if tomorrow's opening of air show will proceed.  Stay tuned to your local evening news for details.


Global News Footage of the CF-18 Plane Crash in Lethbridge

0 comments: