CT114172
Tutor (#4)
CT114006 Tutor (#1)
04
September 2000
Toronto ON
The accident occurred after the 9 plane formation of
431 Air Demonstration (AD) Squadron had departed Pearson
International airport to fly a display for the Canadian
National Air Show in Toronto. The aircraft directly
involved were Snowbird Lead (114006) and the number
four aircraft (114172) of the formation. The departure
from Pearson was conducted as three separate elements
of three aircraft, each in "Vic" formation.
The number four aircraft was lead aircraft of the second
element. The briefed rejoin was to be completed shortly
after take-off with the first two elements rejoining
as depicted below.
As the second element was positioning for the rejoin,
Snowbird Lead called a speed reduction and "easing
right" into a turn. The number four aircraft overshot
Snowbird Lead aircraft and attempted to regain position
by moving backwards. During this manoeuvre, number four's
left elevator and tail contacted Snowbird Lead's left
wing leading edge and left belly smoke tank.
The number four aircraft left the formation and recovered
at Pearson International Airport. Snowbird Lead co-ordinated
the recovery of the remaining aircraft and all recovered
at Pearson without further incident.
The number four aircraft sustained damage to the fibreglass
cover at the top of the 'T' tail with contact marks
and torn metal found on the left elevator and tail section.
The Lead aircraft had contact marks and dents on the
left belly tank and a torn left wing leading edge.
The investigation is being conducted by DFS in Ottawa.
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