Improperly assembled oil filter caused Snowbirds crash, says report

Oct 25, 2023

A look at the left side of the CT-114 Tutor Snowbirds jet that crashed shortly after takeoff in Fort St. John on Aug. 2. (Royal Canadian Air Force/Quality Engineering Test Establishment)

By Shawn Slaght

According to a preliminary report, engine failure due to an improperly assembled oil filter caused a Snowbirds crash in Fort St. John, B.C., on Aug. 2.

The Directorate of Flight Safety's preliminary "From the Investigator" report says the plane was one of nine CT-114 Tutor jets at the Fort St. John Airport in support of the Fort St. John International Air Show on July 30 and 31. The aircraft was taking off from Fort St. John back to Moose Jaw when the accident occurred.

Shortly after takeoff, according to the report, the pilot heard a loud noise and the engine failed when they put the landing gear up.

The pilot put the landing gear back down and elected to land the aircraft straight ahead. The report says the jet touched down with about 500 feet of runway left. The unlocked landing gear collapsed under the weight of the aircraft and it travelled about 1,000 feet before hitting a perimeter fence and coming to a stop.

The aircraft was severely damaged but the pilot escaped without injuries.

The report says the investigation is now looking at the human factors that may have contributed to the accident.

You can read the entire report here.