Canadians Cancel CF-18 Demos

The remainder of performances this season by the Canadian Forces CF-18 demonstration team has been cancelled in the wake of a jet crash in Lethbridge last month that left its pilot injured.

The military said there is not enough time to add a substitute pilot for the rest of the eight air shows across the country and in California.

The Hornet jet crashed and was destroyed on July 23 during a practice session for the Alberta International Airshow in Lethbridge.

Pilot Capt. Brian Bews ejected from the aircraft and is currently recovering from a back injury. He is expected to make a full recovery but isn’t expected to fly for several months.

“It is unfortunate we will not be able to finish the season, but we simply cannot and will not rush the preparation of another demo pilot,” Brig. Gen. Richard Foster, acting commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, told the local media.