2. There is great risk associated with formation flying. Seven Snowbird pilots have lost their lives during their term of duty. Who is the most recent loss to the team?
From Quiz The Canadian Snowbirds
Answer:
Captain Shawn McCaughey
When the men and women of the Snowbirds perform, they pay tribute to the pilots who have lost their lives in tragic accidents during performances or otherwise.
Captain Shawn McCaughey, (#2, inner right wing) was killed during a practice flight at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, USA. This tragedy occurred on May 18th, 2007. He was only 31 yrs old.
Captain Miles Selby, at the age of 31, was killed during a training mission in December of 2004, This occurred in Mossbank, Saskatchewan, Canada. His flight position was #8, opposing solo.
Captain Michael VandenBos, at the age of 29,was killed during a training mission in the month of December in 1998. This happened just south of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. His flight position was #2, inner right wing.
Captain Shane Antaya, was killed during an air show in 1989 at the age of 26. This took place at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His flight position was #2, inner right wing.
Captain Wes Mackay,at the young age of 28, was killed in a motor vehicle accident in 1988. He had previously performed in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. His flight position was #8, Lead Solo.
Captain Gordon de Jong, at the age of 32, was killed in an air show. This took place in 1978 in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada. His flight position was #8, lead solo.
Captain Lloyd Waterer, was killed during an air show in 1972, in Trenton, Ontario, Canada. He was a youthful 24 yrs old and had a flight position of #8, lead solo.