Snowbirds Member Grounded Because Of Allegation

By Robert Thomas

An allegation made against a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 431 Squadron - commonly referred to as the Snowbirds - has a member of the aerobatic team grounded and the National Investigation Service (NIS) investigating.

According to a statement issued by National Defence Headquarters the allegations are of sexual misconduct.

The statement additionally indicates that the name of the person at the center of the allegations , as well as the details of the incident will not be released due to privacy rules.

The Snowbirds performing - photo credit Facebook

The statement includes the military is fully cooperating with the NIS’s investigation.

Although the statement does not reveal details about the team member at the center of the allegations nor any details of the incident the military is providing assistance to all those impacted.

“The RCAF takes all allegations of this nature seriously and is cooperating with investigators fully. The privacy and well-being of the Affected Person, also a member of the CAF, is of the utmost priority to us. Names and specific details will be withheld while this independent investigation takes place. The Affected Person and impacted CAF members are being provided care and support during this time,” the statement reads.

During the investigation the individual who the allegations has been made against will be reassigned to non-operational duties.

“This measure does not imply any outcomes and is intended to enable a robust investigation,” the statement read.

Although the statement does not name, the individual facing accusations it seemingly indicates the individual is a pilot due to the changes being made to the Snowbirds shows during the investigation.

The Snowbirds will be flying an eight plane and not their regular nine plane formation until the investigation is completed and the results are known the statement reads.