Snowbird jet crashed during air show practice

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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  A Canadian Forces Snowbirds pilot crashed during an air show practice at Malmstrom Air Force Base near Great Falls, Mont., May 18 at about 3:45 p.m. (MST). 

Captain Shawn McCaughey, 31, Snowbird 2, of Candiac, Que., died when his CT-114 Tutor jet impacted the ground during the practice flight. 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Captain McCaughey's family," said Major Robert Mitchell, Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces Snowbirds. "Shawn was a professional officer, talented pilot and dear friend - our team is devastated and we will miss him." 

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds were scheduled to perform at the Malmstrom Air Force Base Open House May 19 and 20. 

Canadian Forces Flight Safety will conduct a thorough investigation. 

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds' mission is to represent the skill, professionalism and teamwork of the men and women in Canada's military and to support recruiting initiatives. 

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Note to editors/news directors: For biographical information and a high resolution photo, please visit the team's website at www.snowbirds.forces.gc.ca. For more information, please contact Lieutenant (Navy) Petra Smith, public affairs officer, at (306) 684-3005 or Second Lieutenant Sebastien Monger, 15 Wing Public Affairs Office, at (306) 694-2823 or (306) 631-0509. 

A media opportunity will be held at the Major Robert Mitchell, Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces Snowbirds, will provide a brief statement regarding today's tragic crash today at 8:45 p.m. at Building 3080, Malmstrom Air Force Base. 

Media wishing to attend may meet a member of the 341st Space Wing at the Visitor's Control Centre on  2nd Avenue North at 8:30 p.m.