Crash investigation continues

Aircraft remained grounded on Friday as Canadian Forces continued investigations following Thursday's fatal CT-114 Tutor jet crash 2.5 kilometres northwest of 15 Wing Moose Jaw.
Pilot Capt. Bryan Mitchell, 46, and military photographer Sgt. Charles Senecal, 49, died in the crash.
During a press conference at 15 Wing on Friday, Col. Paul Keddy said 15 Wing Flight Safety has already started preliminary work on the investigation.
Investigative experts from across Canada, including a lead investigator, flight surgeon, escape system specialist, human factor specialist and a pilot, arrived at the scene on Friday.
Keddy said flights will be grounded until investigators can rule out technical factors that might cause another incident.
"It really is a procedure we take to ensure the safety and security of our air crews."
As for the overall investigation, he said it typically takes 30-60 days for investigators to produce preliminary findings with these types of crashes. He said an investigation could take several months to conclude.
"An appropriate amount of study needs to be done to close the file," he said, adding the media would be updated when more information becomes available.
Despite the crash, Keddy said Canadian Forces aircraft, including Tutors, are among the best maintained in the world.
"They've served us over the years and continue to serve us into the future."
Keddy said the Senecal, travelling in the jet Mitchell was piloting, was taking pictures of another CT-114 Tutor, CT-155 Hawk and CT-156 Harvard II flying in formation for promotional purposes.
The jet occupied by Mitchell and Senecal was flying at 500 feet (152 metres) approximately 35 minutes after take-off after the formation's first pass by the base.
The jet was following the formation.
"Capt. Mitchell's aircraft, that was following the formation, was seen to descend slowly . . . and eventually impact the ground."
Keddy said Mitchell did not indicate he was having problems prior to the crash and neither occupant ejected from the aircraft.
As for the Snowbirds, the team is currently in San Francisco, where they are supposed to perform in an air show over the weekend.
Keddy said he isn't sure if the team will continue with their planned performance, but the crew did cancel their Friday practice.

Carter Haydu can be reached
at 691-1265.