For the first time, media are hearing from the pilot of the CF-18 Hornet fighter jet that crashed in Lethbridge on Friday, July 23rd prior to the city’s annual airshow.
During a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Captain Brian Bews shared his final moments before deciding to eject from the out of control aircraft.
“The jet was not acting like it normally does. I was not in control of the aircraft anymore… it was pretty obvious to me what I had to do.”
It was an astonishing crash that caught international attention. The CF-18 Hornet plunged to the ground during a practice session at the Alberta International Airshow as Bews ejected from the jet with just seconds to spare.
Having completed extensive training with the CF-18 jet, Bews was honoured to be selected as this year’s demo pilot for airshows around North America. Bews had already performed eleven times at six different air shows prior to arriving in Lethbridge.
Bews says the accident occurred during a “˜high alpha pass’ which was approximately 7 minutes into the show. During the manoeuvre the pilot is required to slow the aircraft down and raise the nose to fly past the crowd. The lip from the wings and the thrust from the engines normally maintain straight and level flight.
However, on that Friday, Bews says he was feeling unusual turbulence when attempting to pull up from the manoeuvre, something he had done 50 or 60 times before.
Bews quickly realized he was no longer in control of the jet as it began to spiral towards the ground.
“I knew where the jet was going and I didn’t want to be there with it so I knew my only chance of survival was to pull the ejection handle.”
Bews says he can remember watching in disbelief as the jet rolled onto its back and crashed to the ground, despite only 4 seconds passing.
When reaching the ground, Bews’ struggled as strong winds dragged him by his parachute. When he was finally able to pull free, he remained lying on his stomach waiting for emergency crews to arrive. He was then transported to hospital suffering from compressed fractures in three vertebrae. He is still wearing a back brace today, but is expected to fully recover from his injuries.
Bews says he’s thankful his injuries were not worse.
“In eight to twelve weeks from the accident I should be back in the cockpit. I don’t have any complaints about what happened in the field. I’m fortunate that I didn’t break my legs in the landing. The ejection sequence is quite violent, but just the way I landed it worked out very well in my favour.”
The CF-18 jets were grounded from airshow following the crash. However, the jets will be back in action this weekend at an airshow in Windsor, Ontario.
As for whether Bews will get back in the air any time soon? He says he can’t wait to get back to it.
“I’ve been asked a lot if I have any reservations about getting back in the cockpit. Absolutely not. I wish I could fly today.”
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.