The Canadian Air Force flight safety investigation into the accident that killed Canadian Forces Snowbird pilot Capt. Shawn McCaughey on May 18 at Malmstrom AFB, Mont., found that his seat belt “became unfastened.” At the time, McCaughey and teammates were practicing for an aerial demonstration at Malmstrom. The investigation summary notes that initial analysis shows McCaughey fell out of his seat during an inverted roll maneuver, causing him “to lose control of the aircraft.” The investigation into why the seat belt became unfastened is still ongoing.
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.
