January plane crash near 15 Wing Moose Jaw was during instructional training

Both occupants of a plane had to eject, with one suffering minor injuries, during an instructional flight last January near 15 Wing Moose Jaw.

An initial investigation report from the Royal Canadian Air Force shows a qualified air instructor, and a student pilot were operating a CT156 Harvard II out of the air base, located 7 kilometres south of Moose Jaw.

During an aerobatic sequence, the plane lost power when the student was asked to pull out of a manoeuvre. The airspeed dropped to 75 knots and the instructor took over.

The instructor was unable to get the plane operating normally, despite following the controlled flight checklist.

A low oil pressure caution, followed by an engine CHIP light indicated the engine was not working correctly.

An attempt was made to climb to an altitude where a glide back to base would be possible, but it was unsuccessful.

With engine performance continuing to degrade, the crew carried out a controlled ejection. One crew member sustained minor injuries and the aircraft was destroyed when it crashed into the ground.

The investigation is continuing and is focused on human factors, mechanical factors and training.