While the investigation into a plane crash in Cold Lake on Sunday continues, those in Alberta’s aviation community are trying to come to terms with the tragic death of the pilot.
On Sunday afternoon, Bruce Evans, a pilot from Calgary, was flying his T-28 Trojan in the Cold Lake Air Show in a performance when his plane went down at about 2 p.m.
Officials said Evans died in the crash.
Evans was an experienced aerobatic pilot, and a day after the crash friends in the community were mourning his death.
“He was a really good guy, the kind of guy you’d want as a neighbor,” Tom Hinderks, who worked with Evans, told CTV News. “As one pilot to another, he was a pilot’s pilot.
“[He was] cautious, infinitely careful. He’s the kind of pilot I would let my kids fly with and that’s probably the ultimate compliment.”
For Hinderks, the way Evans died is a difficult reminder of how dangerous aerobatic flying is.
“As a friend of mine once said, the sky is like the sea, it is not inherently dangerous but it is very unforgiving,” Hinderks said.
The Transportation Safety Board is investigating.
Evans was also scheduled to perform at the Wetaskiwin Airshow on Wednesday – organizers told CTV News the show will go ahead, but a tribute for Evans is being planned.
With files from Shanelle Kaul
