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CF-18 pilot dies in Cold Lake crash


CP

COLD LAKE, Alta. (CP) — A Canadian Forces pilot was found dead in his parachute Monday after his CF-18 jet went down in poor weather.

The experienced pilot, from 416 Tactical Fighter Squadron based in Cold Lake, Alta., was on an international training exercise involving pilots from several countries.

His plane crashed in mid-afternoon about 50 kilometres north of Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake in northeastern Alberta.

Col. Bill Cleland, commander of 4 Wing, identified the Toronto-born pilot as Captain Kevin Naismith.

Naismith’s body was found about 200 metres from his plane, which crashed near Burnt Lake on the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range.

“We’re coping with a very tragic situation,” Cleland said. “Our first priority is now taking care of his wife and children.”

He said Naismith was flying in a two-plane formation when the crash occurred.

Cleland said he didn’t believe weather was a factor, although it was raining lightly at the time of the crash.

He also didn’t believe smoke from a forest fire on the weapons range was a factor either because aircraft were prohibited from flying low over it.

The crash came in the midst of Operation Maple Flag, an international air combat exercise. About 50 aircraft were flying over the range when the plane went down.

Pilots participating in Operation Maple Flag practise such exercises as dropping bombs and supplies.

The six-week operation is held annually at CFB Cold Lake. It attracts top-gun pilots from around the world.

About 3,000 pilots are expected to take part this year from Canada, the United States, France, Belgium and other countries.

In 2000, a U.S. F-16 pilot ejected safely during Operation Maple Flag when his jet went down after a bird hit the aircraft’s canopy.

http://www.canada.com/national/story.as ... 6E3D040CDD

May he Rest in Peace.