A final report released on Monday by the Royal Canadian Air Force says that a bird strike did result in the deadly Snowbirds crash that happened in May of 2020. 

An initial report suggested that a bird strike may have been the cause of the crash. 

The investigation showed the DNA evidence concluded that a bird was injected into the engine of the CT114 Tutor, confirming what was seen in video evidence. 

“However, the damage it caused was insufficient to cause a catastrophic failure. Rather, it resulted in a compressor stall that was never cleared,” the report said. 

The report also outlined the moments before and after the bird strike. 

After take-off, the investigation found that both occupants heard a “loud, impact-like sound” and experienced a loss of thrust. 

The pilot started a climb straight ahead before deciding to turn back towards the airport. The report says the turn resulted in an aerodynamic stall and the pilot gave the orders to eject. 

According to the report, the ejection took place “outside of the ejection envelope.” 

The result was the death of public affairs officer Capt. Jenn Casey.

Pilot Capt. Richard MacDougall suffered “serious” injuries. 

A number of recommendations came along with the report, including that a directive be published outlining an aircrew’s priorities when there is an emergency during take-off or landing and there is the potential of an ejection near or over a populated area. 

A recommendation was also made to give further training on engine-related emergencies during take-off or a low altitude and that the practice of storing items between the ejection seat and the airframe stop immediately. 

A final recommendation was to do research into options to stabilize ejection seats in the CT114 Tutor from any tendency to pitch, roll or yaw after it leaves the ejection seat rails.